At least 17 people died and more than 50 were injured in an explosion at a pharmaceutical factory in the south of India.
The incident occurred at Escientia Advanced Sciences, in the Anakapalle district of Andhra Pradesh state, on Wednesday afternoon. A 500,000-litre chemical reactor exploded at the site.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident. The state’s Deputy Chief Minister Konidala Pawan Kalyan said the explosion occurred due to a leakage in the process of pumping solvent oil from one floor to another.
It sparked a blaze and caused the first floor to cave in, trapping several people.
Videos of the blaze were widely shared online and by local media.
Emergency workers removed debris form the floor that collapsed and rescued people, police said.
“Based on preliminary investigation, there seems to be a gas leak in the solvent tube. And this leak turned to vapour which eventually hit electrical panel,” M Deepika, the district’s superintendent of police, said.
“There is nobody left trapped in building and rescue operations are over.”
The state's Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha said a highly flammable solvent liquid leaked, causing formation of gas that spread from the third floor to lower floors of the factory.
But before the leak could be plugged it spilled on to an electrical panel and fire broke out leading to the blast, Ms Anitha said.
Six fire tenders were rushed to the site and authorities mobilised additional equipment for rescue work.
The factory operates in two shifts with 381 employees. At least 200 were reportedly working on Wednesday but many were out to lunch at the time of the incident.
“After the blast, the ceiling of the first floor collapsed, trapping several people under the debris,” a witness told local media.
“We saw individuals with severe burns, some completely burnt, being thrown out of the building under the impact of the explosion.”
Two people died and five were injured at another unit in Anakapalli district last year, when fire broke out in a solvent reactor.
THE BIO
Favourite place to go to in the UAE: The desert sand dunes, just after some rain
Who inspires you: Anybody with new and smart ideas, challenging questions, an open mind and a positive attitude
Where would you like to retire: Most probably in my home country, Hungary, but with frequent returns to the UAE
Favorite book: A book by Transilvanian author, Albert Wass, entitled ‘Sword and Reap’ (Kard es Kasza) - not really known internationally
Favourite subjects in school: Mathematics and science
Studying addiction
This month, Dubai Medical College launched the Middle East’s first master's programme in addiction science.
Together with the Erada Centre for Treatment and Rehabilitation, the college offers a two-year master’s course as well as a one-year diploma in the same subject.
The move was announced earlier this year and is part of a new drive to combat drug abuse and increase the region’s capacity for treating drug addiction.
'Saand Ki Aankh'
Produced by: Reliance Entertainment with Chalk and Cheese Films
Director: Tushar Hiranandani
Cast: Taapsee Pannu, Bhumi Pednekar, Prakash Jha, Vineet Singh
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
The candidates
Dr Ayham Ammora, scientist and business executive
Ali Azeem, business leader
Tony Booth, professor of education
Lord Browne, former BP chief executive
Dr Mohamed El-Erian, economist
Professor Wyn Evans, astrophysicist
Dr Mark Mann, scientist
Gina MIller, anti-Brexit campaigner
Lord Smith, former Cabinet minister
Sandi Toksvig, broadcaster
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
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6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
THE CLOWN OF GAZA
Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah
Starring: Alaa Meqdad
Rating: 4/5
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
Started: 2021
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
Based: Tunisia
Sector: Water technology
Number of staff: 22
Investment raised: $4 million
UAE%20medallists%20at%20Asian%20Games%202023
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-final, second leg
Real Madrid (2) v Bayern Munich (1)
Where: Santiago Bernabeu, Madrid
When: 10.45pm, Tuesday
Watch Live: beIN Sports HD
Origin
Dan Brown
Doubleday
