At least 15 people were killed and more than 30 injured, according to a local official. when an explosion occurred today at a pharmaceutical plant owned by private company Escientia in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, a local official said.

According to local media reports, an explosion occurred at a chemical reactor during the lunch break.

Most of the injured have serious burns and have been taken to area hospitals.

Following the explosion, a fire broke out in the factory, located in the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) of Atchuthapuram.

Dozens of fire engines rushed to the area. Officials said, however, that thick smoke was making the firefighting operation difficult.

Escientia employs more than 1,000 people and is one of the largest pharmaceutical companies in this Special Economic Zone.

Police said residents of nearby villages said they heard the loud explosion. Many workers gathered outside the company’s offices demanding compensation for the victims and punishment for those responsible for the negligence that led to the reactor explosion.

This is the third reactor explosion to occur in the Atchuthapuram SEZ. On July 17, an explosion at the Vasantha Chemicals factory killed a 44-year-old worker.

“The dead are now 15 and this number may increase. Almost 40 people were injured. The rescue operation is on,” police inspector M. Deepika told Reuters.

The fire broke out in the early afternoon at the factory of the company Escientia Advanced Sciences, which has been operating since 2019 in the state’s Anakapali region.

Escientia did not respond to a request for comment. The state government has ordered an inquiry into the accident.