Andhra Pradesh: One killed, two injured in reactor blast at Atchutapuram SEZ

The explosion took place on Tuesday at the GHMS Pharma factory in Anakapalli, Andhra Pradesh. A probe has been launched to probe details of the blast.

Anakapalli (Andhra Pradesh):One person died and two others sustained injuries after a reactor exploded at the GFMS Pharma factory in the Atchutapuram Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Andhra Pradesh's Anakapalli district on Tuesday. The deceased has been identified as a 27-year-old, while those injured are said to be in stable condition. Workers fled the area following the explosion, with fire department officials subsequently bringing the blaze under control.

According to primary reports, several factory employees have fallen ill owing to thick flames and fumes on the spot. Police officials have reached the factory premises, and a probe has been kickstarted to determine the exact details of the incident.

Parawada DSP, P Srinivas said the fire triggered by the explosion, was brought under control and other workers of the pharma unit were safe. A team of officials from the Factories department reached the pharma unit and conducted investigation. Preliminary inquiry suggested that negligence of the management of the company was the reason for the mishap as high-density polyethylene pipes were used for transferring methanol to a reactor, instead of conductive pipes, said Inspector of Factories, V Suresh.