Death toll from pharma plant blast rises to 17

The explosion in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh has been blamed on a vapor leak

The death toll from an explosion at a pharmaceutical factory in India has risen to at least 17, Reuters reported on Thursday, citing a senior official. The blast at a private facility in southern India's Andhra Pradesh was the worst incident of its kind in the state in recent years, according to the news agency.

Nearly 40 people were among the injured as rescue operations drew to a close, the outlet quoted Industries Secretary N. Yuvaraj as saying.

The explosion happened on Wednesday at an Escientia Advanced Sciences manufacturing unit in the state's Anakapalli district. Some 380 employees work two shifts at the plant; many escaped unhurt because they were on lunch break, according to AP.

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The facility, which began operating in 2019, is said to manufacture intermediate chemicals and active pharmaceutical ingredients.

Secretary Yuvaraj said the initial investigation showed “there was some vapor leak that led to chemical reactions, which caused the explosion.” He identified the solvent involved as methyl tert-butyl ether, a volatile, flammable, and colorless liquid that is primarily used as a fuel additive. 

Local media have reported that the workers caught in the blast suffered severe chemical burns. The force of the explosion was so great that the victims’ bodies were reportedly torn apart, and body parts were left scattered at the site.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences to the relatives of the dead in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

The government of Andhra Pradesh has ordered an investigation into the blast.

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Last year, two people were killed and five others were injured in a similar accident at another pharmaceutical factory in the same district.

India is a global hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing and is home to many such plants.