4 killed, 10 injured in blast at pharma factory near Sri City

TIRUPATI: At least four workers were killed and 10 others injured in a powerful explosion at the TIL Healthcare pharmaceutical factory near Sri City in district on Saturday morning.

According to police, the blast occurred at around 8 am, reportedly after a boiler exploded at the factory. Several workers who were on night duty were present at the unit when the incident took place.

Two workers, identified as Chinna Masthan (45) of Cherivi village in Satyavedu mandal and Ramesh (45) of Madarapakkam village in Tamil Nadu, died at the factory premises. Two others died while undergoing treatment at a hospital.

The intensity of the explosion caused panic in the area. Local residents rushed to the spot and helped shift the injured workers.

Sri City police reached the factory along with ambulances and rescue teams, and the injured were taken to nearby hospitals.

Preliminary investigation suggests that the explosion occurred in a boiler. Police said the exact cause of the accident is yet to be confirmed, and rescue and relief operations are continuing at the site.