A catastrophic explosion rocked a fireworks factory in Andhra Pradesh’s Kakinada district on Saturday afternoon, claiming at least 20 lives and leaving 15 others injured. The incident unfolded around 2 PM at the Suryashri Fireworks unit near Godavari canal in Vetalapalem village, Samalkota mandal.
Eyewitnesses described a scene of utter devastation as the powerful blast hurled body parts into nearby fields. Many victims, predominantly women workers, were mangled beyond recognition. The shockwave shattered windows in surrounding homes and cracked the roof of a nearby school, with the boom echoing up to 5 kilometers away.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, currently touring Vizianagaram, expressed profound grief and swiftly directed district officials to launch rescue operations. He instructed Home Minister V. Anita to rush to the site and sought updates on the blast’s causes and relief efforts.
Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan also conveyed condolences, assuring full government support to the bereaved families. He confirmed ongoing explosions at the site and noted that the injured were being rushed to Kakinada hospitals.
Labor Minister Vamshetty Subhash verified the death toll, calling it a heartbreaking tragedy. Fire tenders and emergency teams battled thick smoke and flames, while police cordoned off the area. Senior officials, including the district collector and SP, oversaw the grueling rescue amid secondary blasts.
Political leaders from across the spectrum, including BJP state president PVN Madhav and YSRCP chief Jagan Mohan Reddy, voiced sorrow and demanded comprehensive aid, free treatment for the wounded, and adequate compensation. As investigations begin, questions loom over factory safety standards in the fireworks industry.