Explosion at Escientia Factory Kills 15, Injures Over 50

A reactor explosion at the Escientia pharmaceutical company in the Atchutapuram Special Economic Zone, Anakapalle district, Andhra Pradesh, has left at least 15 people dead and over 50 injured. The explosion, which occurred during lunch break, caused a major fire and thick smoke, hampering rescue operations. Emergency services, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), fire services, and police, were deployed to rescue trapped workers and extinguish the fire. Injured workers were rushed to various hospitals in Anakapalle and Visakhapatnam, with some in critical condition. The incident has prompted both the Chief Minister and former Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh to call for thorough investigations and adequate support for the victims' families. This marks the third reactor explosion in the Atchutapuram SEZ, raising concerns about industrial safety standards in the area.