Two workers were killed in a fire accident at a plastic waste recycling unit operated by Dakshin Energy in Pharma City, Anakapalli district, Andhra Pradesh, on Tuesday. The deceased were identified as operator V Venkatesh and mechanical fitter Srinadh, who were on night duty at the time of the incident.
Details of the Incident
According to Parawada Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) B Mohan Rao, the fire broke out at the facility, which specializes in extracting pyrolysis oil from plastic waste. Pyrolysis oil is used as a raw material in biodiesel production. The unit, a small-scale industry, employs around seven workers and operates a reactor where plastic waste is processed.
"Flames apparently emerged during the process, possibly due to gas, and engulfed the two workers. Both of them died in the fire," DSP Rao told PTI. The exact cause of the accident is yet to be determined, and a Factory Inspector has launched an inquiry into the incident.
Response from Authorities
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed sorrow over the deaths and ordered an investigation. He sought a detailed report on the incident, with further action to be based on the probe's findings. Police are also in the process of registering a case.
Immediately after the fire, two fire tenders from Pharma City and another from Parawada were deployed to douse the flames. Officials informed the Chief Minister about the response. Naidu directed officials to provide better treatment to any injured workers and to stand by the victims' families.
Context and Impact
The Dakshin Energy unit is a small facility that extracts pyrolysis oil from plastic waste, a process that involves heating plastic in a reactor under controlled conditions. The incident highlights safety risks in industrial units handling flammable materials. There was no immediate reaction from the company regarding the accident.
