VISAKHAPATNAM: The Pharma City blast toll rose to four as another victim, G Srinivasa Rao, 42, succumbed to his 80 per cent burns while undergoing treatment at Care Hospitals on Thursday. Another victim, J Manikantha, is battling for life.
HRD minister Ganta Srinivasa Rao conducted a review meeting with all officials concerned on the fire accident and on the safety practices in Pharma City.
“Industrial mishaps are causing damage to the state’s reputation. Adding to it, human and property losses in these mishaps are in turn leading to agitations against the industrialisation and development. All officials must take steps to stop these mishaps and further strengthen safety measures,” Ganta said.
Inspection officials warned
The minister warned the factories inspection officials of dire consequences, if found negligent at their duties.
“The Chief minister has asked all the departments concerned to chalk out a comprehensive safety plan to curtail industrial mishaps,” the minister said.
On the Azico Biophore Pharma blast issue, the government ordered a probe and the district joint collector will submit the final report within a week, Ganta said.
Pendurthi MLA Bandaru Satyanarayana Murthy and Anakapalle MP Muttamsetty Srinivasa Rao demanded stringent action against the persons responsible for the accident.