Divis Laboratories explosion: One dead and another sustains serious burns

Visakhapatnam: In an explosion at the dumping yard of the Divis Laboratories, one worker died and another sustained serious burns while segregating plastic from other materials in Chippada of Bhimunipatnam Mandal, on Saturday.

An assistant rank officer of the company said the company's safety department is investigating the incident and the company will compensate the deceased's family.

While speaking with The Hindu, P. Chinna Rao, Inspector of Factories said the deceased was identified as P Polayya (39) of Pedamadapalli village of Vizianagaram, while the injured was identified as M Eswara Rao (31) of the same village.

K Prasad, Deputy Joint Inspector of factories told TOI "All of a sudden a fire erupted leading to a blast. The blast may have been caused by chemical remains in the tins or plastic covers. Polayya's lower part of the body had suffered more burn injuries." The incident took place at around 10 am in the dumping yard, he added.

Polayya died on the way to the hospital, while Eswara Rao is under treatment in a city hospital. Meanwhile, Divis Laboratories was at the receiving end from the workers after a fire accident last year that killed two persons and injured many.

CPM District Secretary K. Lokanadham demanded the government take stringent action against Divis management for such frequent accidents and he sought a compensation of Rs. 50 lakh for deceased family and permanent job to one of the family members.