The death toll in an explosion at a pharma company in Andhra Pradesh's Anakapalle district rose to 17, said District Collector Vijaya Krishnan on Thursday. The explosion occurred in a reactor on Wednesday, leading to the casualties at the Escientia Company’s plant located within the Achutapuram Special Economic Zone (SEZ).
As many as 41 people were injured in the blast and were shifted to NTR hospital for treatment.
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu will visit the site on Thursday where the accident took place, reported ABP Desam. He will inspect the accident site and meet with the families of the deceased and people who were injured.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed anguish over the loss of life and announced an ex gratia of Rs 2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund, his office said in a statement.
Those injured in the blast will be given financial assistance of Rs 50,000, the PMO added.
Former Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister and YSRCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy demanded a compensation of Rs 1 crore for the families of the deceased.
He demanded that the government provide medical treatment free of charge to those who were injured and receiving treatment. The injured should be given financial assistance until they recover, he said.
The blast took place during lunchtime, which likely averted an even greater disaster as a few workers were present near the reactor.
On Wednesday, the Chief Minister spoke with the Anakapalli Collector and asked about the medical aid being provided to the injured. Naidu also advised that air ambulances be used in case an injured requires swift treatment.