Five Workers Killed, More Than 10 Injured in Boiler Blast at Sri City Pharma Unit
Five workers were killed and more than 10 others were injured after a boiler exploded at a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility inside the Sri City Special Economic Zone (SEZ) in Andhra Pradesh's Tirupati district on Saturday morning.
The explosion occurred at a TIL Healthcare formulations manufacturing unit in the Sri City industrial area, located in Satyavedu mandal. The blast triggered a fire and prompted an immediate rescue and emergency response.
According to police and other officials, two workers died at the scene while three others later succumbed to their injuries while receiving treatment at a hospital. More than 10 injured workers were taken to nearby medical facilities.
Blast During Factory Operations
The incident took place at around 8 a.m. on Saturday, according to reports. Preliminary information indicates that the boiler suddenly exploded inside the pharmaceutical facility.
The blast caused significant damage inside the unit and left several workers injured. Emergency teams, police and other officials reached the facility after receiving information about the explosion and began rescue and relief operations.
The injured workers were shifted to hospitals for treatment. Their medical condition was not immediately available in full detail.
Cause of Explosion Under Investigation
Authorities have not yet established what caused the boiler to explode.
Police have begun an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. Officials are expected to examine the equipment, operating conditions and safety procedures at the facility as part of the inquiry.
Because the investigation is still in its early stages, there is currently no confirmed indication that the explosion resulted from a specific technical failure or safety lapse.
Government Responds to Accident
Andhra Pradesh Education and Information Technology Minister Nara Lokesh expressed shock and grief following the deaths.
He conveyed condolences to the families of the workers who died and directed officials to ensure that injured workers receive appropriate medical treatment. The state government has also said it would support the affected families.
Tirupati MP Maddila Gurumoorthy also expressed concern over the incident and called for rescue and relief efforts to be expedited.
Sri City Is a Major Industrial Hub
Sri City is one of India's major multi-product Special Economic Zones and is located along the National Highway 16 corridor near the Andhra Pradesh–Tamil Nadu border.
The industrial zone hosts hundreds of companies from sectors including pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, electronics and other industries. The accident has again drawn attention to industrial safety at large manufacturing facilities.
Authorities are continuing to assess the damage and investigate the circumstances that led to the boiler explosion.
The final details of the investigation, including the precise cause of the blast and the condition of the injured workers, are expected to emerge as officials complete their assessment.