One killed in reactor explosion at Achutapuram SEZ

Anakapalle: One person died in a reactor explosion at Block-6 of Vasant Chemicals Company at Achutapuram SEZ in Anakapalle district on Wednesday. The incident occurred when a pipe got separated in root welding with RE and another pipe enlarger ruptured the reactor. The explosion occurred when Pradeep Rout (44), a contract worker from Odisha, was cleaning the floor in the room. He suffered burn injuries. On hearing the noise, nearby workers rushed and stopped the movement of the reactor, extinguished the fire in 10 minutes and rescued the injured person. According to preliminary investigation, the cause of the incident is said to be the failure of a safety valve. District Collector Vijay Krishnan termed the incident as unfortunate and said that talks were held with the management in which it was agreed to provide an ex-gratia of Rs 35 lakh and ESI benefits to the family of the deceased. A committee headed by Revenue Divisional Officer, Anakapalli, comprising GM Industries, Deputy Chief Inspector of Factories as its members was formed to submit a detailed report within seven days. Meanwhile, Home Minister V Anitha and Anakapalli MP C M Ramesh enquired into the cause of the incident and directed the District Collector to provide all possible help to the victim’s family. The MP also directed the company management to ensure that such incidents do not recur.