The catastrophic reactor blast at Escientia Pharma in Atchyuthapuram SEZ, Anakapalle, has claimed the lives of 18 workers, marking one of the most devastating pharma accidents in Andhra Pradesh this decade. The explosion has left 20 others injured, and the incident has raised serious concerns about the safety protocols at the plant. In response to the tragedy, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has announced a substantial ex-gratia payment of Rs 1 crore to each victim's family and has directed authorities to provide comprehensive medical care to the injured.

In a troubling development, Kiran Reddy, the owner of Escientia Pharma, has reportedly become unreachable following the explosion. Attempts by AP Home Minister Anitha to contact Reddy have been unsuccessful, and it is believed that he has been residing in the USA. His sudden disappearance has intensified the investigation into the incident, as authorities seek to question him regarding the operational safety measures and the circumstances leading to the blast. A criminal case has been filed against Reddy, and efforts to locate him are ongoing.

The situation has not only heightened scrutiny of the company's safety practices but also led to a broader call for accountability within the pharmaceutical industry. The Andhra Pradesh government is committed to ensuring that victims receive the support they need and is pressing forward with investigations to prevent such tragedies in the future.