Explosion at Dakshin Energy Unit in Visakhapatnam's Pharma City Leaves Two Dead, Rescue Operations Underway

Visakhapatnam, June 23: A major explosion followed by a massive fire broke out at the Dakshin Energy facility in Pharma City, Parawada, on Tuesday morning, claiming the lives of two workers and triggering an intensive rescue operation. Authorities fear that two more workers may still be trapped inside the affected unit.

According to preliminary reports, the explosion occurred inside the industrial facility during operational hours, leading to a rapid spread of flames across the premises. Emergency response teams, including fire and rescue personnel, rushed to the site and launched firefighting and search operations.

Officials confirmed that two workers were charred to death in the incident, while efforts are continuing to trace and rescue two others who remain unaccounted for. The severity of the fire and dense smoke have made rescue operations challenging.

Senior district officials, police personnel, and industrial safety teams reached the spot to assess the situation. The exact cause of the explosion is yet to be determined, and a detailed investigation has been ordered. Authorities are expected to examine whether any technical malfunction or safety lapse contributed to the accident.

The incident has once again raised concerns over industrial safety standards in the Visakhapatnam–Anakapalli industrial corridor, which houses several pharmaceutical, chemical, and manufacturing units. Local residents reported hearing a loud blast before seeing thick plumes of smoke rising from the facility.

Rescue and cooling operations continued through the day as officials worked to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby units. Further details regarding the missing workers and the cause of the explosion are awaited.

The district administration has assured that all necessary assistance will be provided to the affected families, while safety audits of the facility are likely to be undertaken following the incident.