Explosion at Pharma Factory in India Kills Dozens

A devastating explosion at a pharmaceutical plant in Andhra Pradesh, southern India, has resulted in the deaths of at least 18 workers, with the toll expected to rise as several of the 40 injured remain in critical condition. The incident occurred on Wednesday at the Escientia Advanced Sciences facility in Anakapalle district, where a fire broke out in the chemical reactor. Initial reports suggest that an electrical fault may have triggered the explosion, prompting state authorities to launch an investigation into the incident. The explosion took place during lunchtime, allowing many of the approximately 380 employees to escape unharmed. However, distressing scenes unfolded as ambulances transported injured workers to hospitals, with reports of severe chemical burns and skin peeling from the victims. Eyewitness accounts describe a chaotic scene, with workers screaming in agony before losing consciousness. The local police and fire services responded swiftly, deploying six fire engines and the National Disaster Response Force to assist in rescue operations. The Escientia plant, operational since 2019, specializes in manufacturing intermediate chemicals and active pharmaceutical ingredients. This incident adds to a troubling history of industrial accidents in the region, which has seen numerous mishaps, including a deadly blast at a Hindustan Petroleum refinery in 1997 that killed 22 people. In light of the tragedy, both Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi have expressed their condolences to the victims' families.