Fires at 2 Indian chemical plants kill many

Fires broke out at two pharmaceutical chemical companies just days apart in southern India, killing more than 20 workers. On Aug. 21, an explosion resulted in a fire at Escientia Advanced Sciences’ plant in the Anakapalle district of Andhra Pradesh state, an area known as a pharmaceutical hub. The blaze killed 18 workers and injured over 30 others. The company manufactures intermediate chemicals and active pharmaceutical ingredients. According to Indian media outlets, the blast occurred during the lunch break, which prevented more people from getting injured or killed. But the vapor cloud caused by the explosion hampered rescue operations. The Press Trust of India news agency reported scenes of workers with peeling skin being rushed to the hospital. Government officials told news outlets that the company had 381 employees. While an investigation is ongoing to identify the cause of the fire, officials suspect it was caused by faulty electrical equipment