A fire broke out at a pharmaceutical factory (Sahithi Pharma Private Limited) in Anakapalle district, Andhra Pradesh, on Wednesday, August 21, resulting in the tragic death of 18 people. More than 36 individuals have been reported injured. The cause of the fire is yet to be determined. Ambulances arrived at the scene in Anakapalle district to transport the injured to the hospital.
Eyewitnesses recounted hearing a loud explosion following the outbreak of the fire. The blast was so powerful that it caused the first-floor slab of the building to collapse.
The incident occurred at the Ascientia plant, a pharmaceutical company located in the Achyutapuram SEZ. The injured have been admitted to NTR Hospital for treatment. The explosion happened during lunch hour when most of the workers were outside.
Factory Operates in Two Shifts
The factory employs over 381 workers. The accident took place at 2:10 PM on Wednesday afternoon. Due to the lunch break, the majority of the employees were outside. Collector Vijayan Krishnan informed that 13 people were rescued from the site.
The injured workers suffered severe burns. Injured workers have been admitted to the hospital’s burn unit. Four workers succumbed to their injuries after being brought to the hospital.
Pharma Factory Has Been Operational for 5 Years
The factory began production in April 2019. Ascientia Advanced Sciences, which produces intermediate chemicals and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs), started this facility with an investment of ₹200 crore.