18 Killed in Andhra Fireworks Factory Blast
Massive Explosion Rocks Kakinada Unit; CM Naidu Rushes to Review Rescue Ops
- Blast at Surya Sri FireWorks in Vetlapalem village
- At least 18 dead; several bodies charred beyond recognition
- Majority of victims reportedly women workers
- CM reviews situation, rushes to Kakinada
GG News Bureau
Kakinada, 28th Feb: At least 18 people were killed and several others injured after a powerful explosion ripped through a fireworks manufacturing unit in Andhra Pradesh’s Kakinada district on Saturday afternoon.
The blast occurred around 2 pm at Surya Sri FireWorks near the Godavari canal in Vetlapalem village. Thick smoke engulfed the area as flames shot high into the sky. The explosion was so intense that it was heard within a five-kilometre radius, according to locals.
Shockwaves from the blast reportedly caused cracks in the slab of a private school building in a nearby village. Fire department personnel rushed to the site with two fire engines and launched operations to control the blaze. Eight critically injured persons were shifted to a nearby hospital.
Police said 11 victims have been identified so far, while efforts are underway to ascertain the identities of others. Several bodies were found charred beyond recognition, with debris scattered across the factory premises. Officials indicated that a majority of the deceased were women workers.
The unit is reportedly operated by members of the Adapa Nani family. Locals alleged that fireworks were being manufactured beyond permitted capacity, possibly triggering the explosion. Authorities are investigating the cause.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who was on a tour in Vizianagaram district, immediately reviewed the situation with officials after receiving information about the blast. He directed authorities to intensify rescue and relief measures and instructed Home Minister Anitha to visit the accident site.
Later in the evening, the Chief Minister left Vizianagaram for Kakinada and reached Samarlakota Junior College grounds. He is expected to visit the explosion site at Vetlapalem, meet the injured at the hospital, and console the bereaved families.
The District Collector and Superintendent of Police are at the scene overseeing rescue operations. Further details are awaited.
