Pharma Blast: Naidu announces Rs 1 cr aid to families of deceased

Visakhapatnam: Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu visited the KGH and Ankapalle district on Thursday and announced a compensation of one crore rupees each to the families of the deceased in the Atchutapuram pharma SEZ mishap.

Also, Rs 50 lakh each would be provided to the seriously injured and Rs 25 lakh each to those having minor injuries. A high-level committee is being set up to probe the mishap, Naidu told the media.

The chief minister visited a corporate hospital at Venkojipalem, among others, and promised that all the injured would have access to high-quality medical care, including plastic surgery.

Condemning the incident at the SEZ pharmaceutical company, the chief minister said the government was determined to implement all steps in these units. He went on to blame the YSRC government, accusing it of failure in addressing such issues, and said there now was an urgency in rectifying these errors.

Naidu stated, "Seventeen persons died in the mishap and 36 others received injuries. Out of the injured, 10 are in a critical condition, while 26 have minor injuries. I personally spoke to each of the injured and their families.”

One person suffered 57% burns, while others suffered 24%, 12% and 10% burns respectively. One person is in a deep shock but is recovering, he said.

He said, “The government is monitoring everything and will provide all kinds of support. An unfortunate, painful incident happened and I want this to be the last one.”

During his KGH visit, the chief minister spoke to the families of the injured and deceased in the Atchutapuram incident. He also met the children being treated at the KGH following the food poisoning incident in Kailasa Patnam Orphanage, Koruvuratla mandal of Anakapalle district.