14 killed in explosion at pharma company in India

At least 14 people were killed and many others injured Wednesday after a fire broke out following an explosion at a pharmaceutical manufacturing unit in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, reported Xinhua, quoting officials.

The fire was triggered by a blast near the reactor site inside the factory in Atchutapuram Special Economic Zone (SEZ) of Anakapalle district, about 30 km west of Vishakhapatnam, the main city of Andhra Pradesh.

"The death toll in today's blast and a subsequent major fire at a pharmaceutical firm, Escientia, in Atchutapuram SEZ has risen to 14," an official at the Anakapalli collectorate said. "Since the rescue operations are underway, the complete details will be shared after its culmination."

According to officials, the incident occurred during lunchtime.

Television images from the spot showed an ambulance entering the company's premises amid grey smoke surrounding the area.

Officials told media that the factory operates with 381 employees in two shifts.

"The staff presence was less because of the lunchtime," a local newsgathering agency quoted Anakapalli District Collector Vijaya Krishnan as saying.

According to Indian Express, the powerful explosion left 18 people wounded, while the India Today television news channel put the number of the injured at 33.

Authorities have rushed firefighters to the spot to douse the flame and bring the fire under control.