Kakinada, February 28: A fire broke out after a massive explosion in a firecracker factory in Vetlapalem village of Samalkota Mandal in Kakinada district of Andhra Pradesh on Saturday afternoon killing at least 18 people of which 11 have been identified so far.
After the incident, senior district officials reached the spot and rescue and relief work was kicked off. The death toll may increase. Eight people who were seriously burnt have been taken to the hospital.
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu expressed grief over the incident and directed the officials to provide all possible help to the victims.
Work was underway at the Suryashree Fireworks Factory near the Godavari Canal in the Vetlapalem area of ​​the Samalkota Mandal district
A sudden explosion occurred at the factory, followed by a massive fire, and thick smoke spread throughout the area.
Upon receiving the information, senior officials and fire brigades arrived at the scene and began rescue and relief operations. The seriously injured were taken to a local hospital by ambulance. Eighteen people have reportedly died in the incident. Of these, 11 have been identified so far. Most of the deceased are women. Police have identified the other eight people at a hospital in Kakinada.
Eyewitnesses reported a very loud sound. The explosion terrified residents of nearby villages. The massive blast was heard for approximately five kilometers. The intensity of the sound caused cracks in the slab of a private school in a nearby village. Thick smoke spread across five villages. When locals reached the area where the blast occurred, many people trapped in the fire had already been burned. Body parts were scattered at the scene, with some bodies completely burned.
Preliminary investigations have revealed that the firecracker factory was run by Adapa Nani’s family members. His family members are among the deceased.
Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu is currently on a visit to Vizianagaram district. He inquired about the blast and directed officials to immediately conduct relief and rescue operations.
He directed State Home Minister Anitha to rush to the scene. The State Home Minister then left for the scene. The district Superintendent of Police and District Collector have already reached the scene and are overseeing relief efforts.
The Police have so far identified 11 of the deceased. Police identified the deceased as Adabala Srinu, Kadakampally Krupa Amma, Kadakampally Dhanraj, Sadhanala Satyaveni, Vatluri Ravi, Mandapally Chinni, Nimmada Karuna, Gampala Manga, Godatha Mahesh, Godatha Ramu, and Godatha Nani. The bodies of several others are yet to be identified. Eight others were seriously injured, while the condition of some others undergoing treatment was reported to be critical.