A tragic explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Kailasapatnam village of Kotauratla mandal in Anakapalli district claimed the lives of at least eight workers, including two women, and left seven others injured on Sunday afternoon.
The blast, which occurred around 12:45 pm, was so powerful that it reduced the entire unit to rubble within minutes. Preliminary investigations suggest that the explosion began in the factory’s explosive storage section and rapidly engulfed the entire unit. Police officials said a large stockpile of firecrackers caught fire, trapping several workers inside.
“At the time of the explosion, there were at least 15 people working in the unit. Unfortunately, eight bodies have been recovered. The remaining injured are being shifted to hospitals for treatment,” a senior police officer stated. Locals joined hands with police and fire department officials in rescue efforts.
The deceased have been identified as Dadi Ramalaxmi, Puram Papa, Gumpina Venu, Senapathi Baburao, Manohar, Devara Nirmala, Appikonda Thathababu, and Sangari Govinda. All the victims were residents of the Samarlakota locality in Kakinada district and had traveled to Anakapalli for work, particularly to support the production of firecrackers for upcoming local festivals.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep shock over the tragedy and directed state Home Minister V. Anitha and district officials to ensure that the injured receive the best possible medical care. He also called for a thorough inquiry into the cause of the explosion and has requested a detailed report on the incident.
Home Minister Anitha confirmed the casualties and injuries and assured the public that the situation is being closely monitored. “Eight people, including two women, have died, and seven others have been injured. The injured are currently being transported to hospitals. Further details will be shared as the investigation progresses,” she said.
Opposition leader and YSR Congress Party chief Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy also conveyed his condolences and urged the state government to extend immediate support to the victims’ families. He instructed party leaders in the region to assist those affected.
As authorities continue their investigation, safety concerns around small-scale firecracker manufacturing units have once again come into focus, prompting calls for stricter enforcement of safety regulations.
Sources By Agencies
