Anakapalle Explosion: In Andhra Pradesh's Anakapalle district, a reactor exploded in the Achutapuram Special Economic Zone. A total of three people lost their life and 17 have been reportedly been injured in the explosion, reports news agency ANI. The explosion took place at the Escientia Company, a pharma firm's plant, in the Special Economic Zone. The injured have been taken to the NTR Hospital for treatment.

According to Deepika, the Superintendent of Police (SP) for Anakapalle district, the incident took place earlier in the day and the injured were immediately rushed to the nearby hospital for treatment. 

The cause of the accident is yet to be ascertained. Meanwhile, the rescue operation is underway.

According to news agency IANS, several fire tenders rushed to the spot to douse the fire. NDRF, fire service personnel, and police rescued the workers trapped on the third floor of the building. The injured were shifted to various hospitals in Anakapalle. About 300 employees were present in the company at the time of the explosion. Such was the impact of the explosion that the slab of the first floor of the building collapsed.

The entire area was filled with thick smoke, hampering rescue operations. The explosion sent panic among people in the nearby villages. Employees gathered outside the company, demanding compensation for the victims, and punishment for the officials for their negligence.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has expressed shock over the reaction explosion. He spoke to the Anakapalle district collector and enquired about the incident. He directed officials to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured. Former Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy also expressed deep shock over the reactor explosion at Atchutapuram SEZ. He extended his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the incident.

The YSRCP chief has urged the government to ensure that the injured receive the best possible medical treatment in hospitals. He also called upon the authorities to take immediate steps to prevent such incidents in the future. He demanded that the state government provide adequate support to the families of the deceased.