One dies, eight hospitalised after inhaling HCL fumes at pharma company in Andhra Pradesh’s Anakapalli district

About 400 litres of HCL leaked from the reactor-cum-receiver tank at Unit-III of the company, which affected nine workers, says Collector; while the condition of six of them is stable, two are on ventilator support; Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu directs authorities to provide advanced treatment to the victims; Home Minister Anitha expresses anger over repeated such incidents

A worker from Odisha died and eight others were hospitalised after they reportedly inhaled hydrochloric acid fumes that leaked at Tagoor Laboratories Private Limited in Jawaharlal Nehru Pharma City (JNPC), at Parawada in Anakapalli district on November 26 (Tuesday).

Among the eight hospitalised, two were said to be on ventilator support.

“At around 4.30 p.m. on November 26, about 400 litres of HCL leaked from the reactor-cum-receiver tank (GLR 325) in Unit-III of the company. Nine personnel who were working in close proximity of the tank suffered vomiting and respiratory problems. They were shifted to a private hospital at Gajuwaka immediately. Three of them were later shifted to KIMS at Sheela Nagar for advanced treatment,” District Collector Vijaya Krishnan said on November 27 (Wednesday).

The Collector further said that among the three, 23-year-old Amit, a helper, died while undergoing treatment at around 12.30 p.m. on November 27. The condition of the remaining six was said to be stable.

“The Inspector of Factories has been directed to investigate the exact cause of the incident,” the Collector said, adding that an inquiry was on to ascertain facts.

The Parawada police registered a case.

The Collector, along with Superintendent of Police Tuhin Sinha, called on the victims undergoing treatment.

Meanwhile, CPI(M) district secretary K. Lokanadham demanded that an ex gratia of ₹1 crore be paid to the next of kin of the deceased, and best possible treatment to those undergoing treatment. He also demanded an inquiry into the incident and stringent action against the management for its alleged negligence.

CITU leader G. Satyanarayana alleged that though the incident had taken place on November 26, the management did not reveal it, and maintained secrecy while shifting the victims to the hospitals.

He alleged that there was no security to the lives of workers in the pharma units. Lack of proper safety measures in the pharma companies was leading to such accidents, he added.

“Though industrial accidents are being reported at regular intervals, the authorities are failing to initiate measures to avoid them,” he alleged.

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu inquired into the incident and directed the authorities to provide advanced treatment to the victims.

Andhra Pradesh Home Minister V. Anitha spoke to the Collector and Superintendent of Police over telephone and enquired about the incident. Ms. Anitha expressed anger over recurring such incidents. Assuring all help to the families of the victims, she directed the Collector to conduct an inquiry and initiate strict action against those responsible.

Anakapalli MP C.M. Ramesh also expressed anger over the management.

Published - November 27, 2024 09:42 pm IST