Andhra Pradesh Firecracker Unit Blast: 5 Dead, 7 Injured in Anakapalle Explosion | Visakhapatnam News
VISAKHAPATNAM: At least eight persons were killed, and seven others sustained injuries in an explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit at Kailasapatnam village of Kotauratla mandal in Anakapalle district on Sunday.
In the primary investigation, the police found that the explosion took place in the premises of the firecracker manufacturing unit on Sunday afternoon. The fire from the explosion spread in the whole unit within minutes.
The locals said a huge stockpile of firecrackers caught fire and exploded, reducing the unit to rubble. At the time of the incident, a total of 15 workers were in the unit. The blast was so powerful that it led to extensive damage. The firecrackers were being manufactured for the upcoming local deity festivals and marriages.
The deceased persons have been identified as Dadi Ramalaxmi, Puram Papa, Gumpina Venu, Senapathi Baburao, Manohar, Devara Niramala, Appikonda Thathababu and Sangarigovindu
All the victims in the incident belonged to the Samarlakota locality of Kakinada district.
The police and fire service personnel, who reached the spot, said they recovered the dead . Police suspect the death toll may increase as some persons received critical burns in the incident.
The police are yet to ascertain the exact reasons for the explosion and the investigation is on to establish whether it is an illegal unit or licensed unit.
Chief minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu has expressed profound shock over the deaths of workers in the fire at a fireworks manufacturing facility in Anakapalle district.
He reached out to district collector, superintendent of police, and home minister Anita via telephone to discuss the incident and coordinate emergency response efforts. During these conversations, Naidu directed authorities to ensure the injured victims receive the highest quality medical care possible.
He inquired about the number of workers present during the accident and their current medical status. He emphasized that comprehensive medical services must be provided to all victims
Home minister V Anitha will visit the accident spot on Sunday and she asked the officials to provide better medical treatment to the injured persons.
Anakapalle district collector Vijaya Krishnan ordered an enquiry into the incident.
It may be recalled that nine persons, including three women died and six others were injured in an explosion at firecrackers unit at Gokulapadu of S Rayavaram mandal in Anakapalle district in 2015.
