17 killed several injured in India factory blast

A blast at an Indian pharmaceutical factory has claimed the lives of at least 17 people, with chemicals causing severe burns to many of the 34 injured, police reported on Thursday. The Hindu newspaper noted that the explosion’s force was so intense that it scattered severed body parts across the site.

The fire erupted on Wednesday afternoon at a pharmaceutical facility in Anakapalli district, Andhra Pradesh. District police superintendent M. Deepika confirmed that “rescue operations are complete” and that the final tally stands at “17 dead and 34 injured.” Investigators suspect the blast was triggered by a gas leak that eventually ignited an electrical panel.

Local police official M. Buchaiah told the Indian Express that the survivors of the blast suffered severe chemical burns, describing the scene as “horrible” and “heartbreaking.” He recounted the distressing sight of victims screaming in pain before losing consciousness as they were transported to ambulances.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the tragedy in a social media post, announcing a compensation of $2,380 for the families of the deceased.