Two workers were killed and 16 wounded when a reactor exploded on Saturday morning in the Deccan Fine Chemicals' factory at Rajavaram village in Payakaraopeta mandal of Visakhapatnam district.

According to sources, a reactor in the factory caught fire and exploded at around 6.30 a.m. on Saturday and 30 workers were in the particular block at the time of the accident.

Two workers - Ramu, 36, hailing from Narsipatnam in Visakhapatnam district and Subba Rao, 31, hailing from Alamuru in East Godavari district - died on the way to the hospital. About 16 workers were admitted to the hospital and their condition was stable and they were out of danger, it is learnt.

Vishal Gunni, Assistant Superintendent of Police, who visited the spot along with revenue officials, said the fire had been brought under control. Fire tenders from Tuni, Payakaraopeta and other nearby towns were pressed into service. He said the cause of the accident had not been ascertained yet.

The factory has a capacity of 4,750 tonnes per annum.

sarma.rs@thehindu.co.in

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