Tragic Explosion at Andhra Pradesh Fireworks Unit Claims Lives

Devastating Blast in Kakinada District

Vetlapalem (Andhra Pradesh), Feb 28: The Home Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Vangalapudi Anitha, confirmed that 18 individuals lost their lives and six others sustained critical injuries due to an explosion at a fireworks manufacturing facility in Kakinada district on Saturday.

According to police reports, the force of the blast in Vetlapalem village was so intense that it propelled bodies into adjacent paddy fields.

"Currently, we have confirmed 18 fatalities and six serious injuries. I am en route to the incident site," Anitha stated.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire that triggered the explosion.

The superintendent of Kakinada Government General Hospital reported that seven patients were admitted with severe burns, some covering 90 to 100 percent of their bodies, and they are receiving treatment.

Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed his sorrow over the tragic loss of lives among the workers at Surya Fireworks, as noted in an official statement.

"The incident at the fireworks unit in Vetlapalem has deeply saddened me. It is tragic to see multiple lives lost in this accident," Naidu shared in a post on social media.

The scene was horrifying, with locals using 'barakalu', sheets made from fertilizer bags, to transport the deceased amid the lush green fields.

Smoke and flames were visible from the explosion site, prompting an ambulance to rush to assist the injured.

Naidu has instructed officials to provide immediate assistance to the victims and is overseeing the rescue operations, ensuring support for the affected families.

At the time of the explosion, approximately 20 workers were present in the fireworks unit.

The Chief Minister has also directed senior officials and ministers to visit the site of the tragedy.

Police have deployed drones to search for body parts scattered across nearby agricultural lands.