India: At least 17 killed and 41 wounded after explosion in a pharmaceutical factory
Pharmaceutical plant in Andhra Pradesh, southern India, Aug 22, 2024 Photo: @Anitha_TDP
August 22, 2024 Hour: 5:14 pm
The Escientia company is five years old and manufactures chemical intermediates and active pharmaceutical ingredients.
An explosion at a pharmaceutical plant in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh has so far left 17 dead and 41 wounded.
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The regional Minister of the Interior, Vangalapudi Anitha, said that a solvent, methyl terbutyl ether (MTBE), had leaked and workers tried to cover it. Gas formed which spread from the third floor to the lower floors of the building and, before the leak could be plugged, reached the electrical panel and a fire occurred which resulted in an explosion».
According to media reports, the incident occurred during lunch hours, which prevented the number of casualties from being higher, as there were fewer workers in the factory when the explosion occurred.
The rugged site is located in the Achutapuram Special Economic Zone.
Emergency teams rescued some 20 workers alive, who were taken to the nearest health centres.
Accidents of this kind are common in India, caused by poor infrastructure, lack of maintenance, corruption and illegal practices in construction processes.
MTBE is a colourless volatile liquid that is commonly used as a solvent. It is also considered a potentially toxic compound for human health and causing environmental problems.
In several cities of the United States, the use of this substance as an additive for gasoline is forbidden since 2002, due to its potential to contaminate groundwater.
Autor: OSG
Fuente: EFE-RTVE
