Andhra Pradesh, August 22 -- A devastating explosion occurred at a private pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in Alkapalli district, Andhra Pradesh, India, on Wednesday, August 21. The blast, which took place at the Essentia company factory located in the Achyuthapuram Economic Zone, claimed the lives of at least 17 people and left 40 others seriously injured, according to reports from Deutsche Welle.

The injured have been transported to NTR Hospital for treatment, and rescue operations at the factory, which spans 40 acres, have been completed. Andhra Pradesh Industries Secretary N Yuvraj confirmed the completion of the rescue work and the number of casualties.

While the exact cause of the explosion has not yet been officially disclosed by the pharmaceutical company, government officials suspect that a chemical reactor may have exploded. Closed-circuit TV footage is being reviewed, and investigators are interviewing the injured to determine whether the blast was caused by human error.

State Labor Minister Basamshetty Subhash noted that the explosion occurred during lunchtime, complicating rescue efforts due to the heavy black smoke that engulfed the area. The identification of the deceased is currently underway.

This tragic incident highlights the dangers in India's rapidly expanding pharmaceutical industry. Last year, two officials lost their lives in a fire at another pharmaceutical manufacturing company in the same district, underscoring ongoing safety concerns in the sector.