Explosion and fire at a pharmaceutical plant in India kill at least 15 workers and injure 40

An explosion triggered a fire in a pharmaceutical plant in southern India, killing at least 15 workers. A police officer says 40 more people were injured in the fire Wednesday and were hospitalized. It occurred at the Escientia Company, which makes intermediate chemicals and active pharmaceutical ingredients. The plant is in Andhra Pradesh state’s special economic zone near the port city of Vishakhapatnam, a highly industrialized area with many mishaps, including hazardous chemical leakages. Media reports say electricity is thought to be related to the fire. State authorities have ordered an investigation. Fires are common in India, where builders and residents often flout building laws and safety norms.