Two killed in reactor explosion at pharma unit in Visakhapatnam

Two feared killed in reactor explosion at Sahiti Pharma unit at Achyutapuram SEZ in Anakapalli district on the outskirts of Visakhapatnam.

Updated on: Jun 30, 2023, 20:00:34 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Two persons are feared killed in reactor explosion at Sahiti Pharma unit at Achyutapuram SEZ in Anakapalli district on the outskirts of Visakhapatnam.

Smoke billowing out of the reactor plant in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. (Screengrab from sourced video)

Three fire tenders have been rushed to the spot to douse the fire. Many people are feared trapped inside as thick plumes of smoke were billowing in the area.

The fire was caused due to a sudden reactor blast, according to the Superintendent of Police, Anakapalli Murali Krishna, ANI reported.

District Fire Officer, Lakshman Rao, told ANI that eight fire tenders rushed to the spot and four more are on the way.

“The accident occurred during solvent recovery at Sahitya Pharma Industry in Achuthapuram. 35 workers were working in the industry at the time of the accident. Seven people were injured in this accident. Unfortunately, two people died in this accident. ₹25 lakh compensation on behalf of the state government to those who died in the accident...,” state Industries Minister Amarnath said.

Andhra Pradesh govt announced ₹25 lakh ex-gratia each for next kin of those deceased.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More