Two workers killed in Andhra plastic unit fire

Metro India News | Parawada

At least two workers were killed in a fire accident at Dakshin Energy, a plastic waste recycling unit in Pharma City, Anakapalli district, on Tuesday, police said. Parawada Deputy Superintendent of Police B. Mohan Rao said the victims were identified as operator V. Venkatesh and mechanical fitter Srinadh, who were on night duty when the incident occurred. Dakshin Energy, a small-scale industry, extracts pyrolysis oil from plastic waste for use in biodiesel production.

According to police, flames reportedly erupted during the processing of plastic waste, possibly due to a gas-related issue, engulfing the two workers. Both died in the blaze. The exact cause of the fire is yet to be determined. The unit employs around seven workers and operates a reactor used to process plastic waste into pyrolysis oil. A Factory Inspector has launched an inquiry, while police are registering a case.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed grief over the deaths and ordered an investigation into the incident. He sought a detailed report from officials and said further action would be taken based on the findings.

Following the accident, two fire tenders from Pharma City and one from Parawada were rushed to the site and brought the fire under control, according to an official release. Naidu reviewed the circumstances surrounding the accident, directed officials to ensure proper treatment for any injured workers, and instructed them to support the victims’ families. There was no immediate response from the company.