VISAKHAPATNAM: A somber atmosphere has enveloped the families affected by the devastating fire at Escientia Advanced Sciences Private Limited in Atchutapuram SEZ, Anakapalle district. The tragic blaze, which occurred on Wednesday, claimed 17 lives, and grieving families gathered at King George Hospital (KGH) in Visakhapatnam on Thursday to claim the remains of their loved ones.
Among those mourning is Neeladevi, a young woman who is four months pregnant and lost her husband, J. Chiranjeevi, in the fire. “We were married just six months ago, and I am four months pregnant,” she said, her voice choked with grief. “I am devastated by his loss and don't know how to face the future without him.” Chiranjeevi, 24, from Darlapudi in Anakapalle district, had been employed as a fitter at the plant since November 2023.
Relatives of M. Satish, a senior executive from Pasarlapudi Lanka in East Godavari district, expressed their frustration over the lack of communication and support from the company. “We learned about the incident through the media. We tried calling Satish’s phone but couldn’t reach him. The company didn’t provide any updates. Their handling of this tragedy has been utterly irresponsible,” his relatives complained.
Trade unions and local leaders have voiced strong criticism of the lack of safety measures and accountability within the SEZ. “Companies find it easier to pay compensation than to implement proper safety protocols. It's alarming that no company officials or authorities have offered condolences,” they said. They stressed the need for rigorous safety audits and better emergency medical facilities within the SEZ.
Visakhapatnam Collector MN Harendhira Prasad visited the KGH mortuary on Thursday morning to offer condolences and support to the grieving families.
The fire claimed the lives of four individuals from the former East Godavari district: Challapalli Harika (22), a chemical engineer from Kakinada who had joined as a trainee in September 2023; Kopparti Ganesh Kumar (30) from Bikkavolu; Marisetti Satish (31) from G. Mamidikuduru; and Mondi Nagababu (56) from Samalkot. Ganesh, Satish, and Nagababu, all married, leave behind families, while Harika, who was unmarried, was the primary breadwinner for her family.