The fire broke out in the afternoon at privately held Escientia Advanced Sciences’ 40-acre manufacturing unit that was operational since 2019 in the state’s Anakapalli district, according to district collector Vijaya Krishnan.

“The injured have been shifted to nearby hospitals … an inquiry has been initiated to identify the exact reason that led to the blast,” Krishnan’s office told Reuters, adding that the blast occurred during lunch time at the unit.

“Ten fire tenders were involved in rescue operations. The fire is largely under control,” Krishnan’s office added.

Escientia did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Last year, two people were killed and five others were injured in a similar fire accident that broke out in a solvent reactor at a unit of Sahithi Pharma in the Anakapalli district.