Blast at Andhra Pharma City unit kills two, triggers fire; rescue on

At least two workers died in an explosion at a unit of Dakshin Energy in Parawada Industrial Park Phase-III, located within the Jawaharlal Nehru Pharma City (JNPC) near Visakhapatnam, early on Tuesday, June 23, 2026. The blast set off a major fire, sending thick smoke and flames into the sky and causing panic in the industrial area.

Emergency teams, including fire tenders from the Pharma City Fire Station and Parawada, were rushed to the spot. Officials said the blaze was brought under control after several hours. Rescue operations continued to check for any remaining trapped persons, though authorities did not confirm additional casualties beyond the two fatalities and two injured reported initially.

Anakapalli District Collector Vijaya Krishnan monitored the situation and directed all necessary measures to contain the fire and prevent it from spreading to nearby units. Superintendent of Police Tuhin Sinha also visited the site to review rescue efforts.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed grief over the incident and conveyed condolences to the families of the deceased. He sought details from district officials and directed that the injured receive the best possible medical treatment. He also instructed the district administration to extend full support to affected families.

Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan asked for a report from the Collector and called for an immediate safety audit of all industrial units in the Visakhapatnam area. He said two workers had died and two were seriously injured in the fire, which broke out around 6 a.m. He also stressed the need for measures to prevent industrial accidents.

Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha expressed shock and spoke to the District Collector and Superintendent of Police about the fire and rescue work. She directed officials to speed up relief and provide all necessary assistance to those affected, adding that the state government stands with the victims' families.

The Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) leader G. Satyanarayana expressed concern over recurring industrial accidents in Pharma City, alleging that despite government assurances on safety standards, accidents continue to occur in pharmaceutical and chemical units, raising questions about enforcement of workplace safety.