In the wake of a devastating explosion at a pharmaceutical company in Anakapalle, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu visited the site and the affected families on August 22, 2024, to offer condolences to the bereaved and assess the situation firsthand.
The tragic incident, which occurred on the previous day, resulted in the death of 17 workers and left over 30 injured, marking one of the most severe industrial accidents in recent years in the state.
Upon his arrival, CM Naidu met with the injured at local hospitals, expressing his grief over the loss and promising full support from the state government.
“We are here to ensure that every possible assistance is provided to the victims and their families,” Mr. Naidu said. He announced an ex-gratia payment of Rs 1 crore to the families of those who perished in the blast.
The Chief Minister also ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident. “We need to understand the exact cause of this tragedy to prevent future occurrences,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for stringent safety measures in industrial setups. The inquiry aims to investigate potential negligence or any lapses in safety protocols that might have contributed to the explosion.
The explosion occurred at the Escientia Company within the Achutapuram Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Initial reports suggest the blast was due to a reactor malfunction, but subsequent investigations pointed towards a solvent oil leakage that ignited, leading to the catastrophic explosion.