Daijiworld Media Network - Vijayawada
Vijayawada, Feb 28: At least 18 persons are feared dead in a devastating explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Vetla Palem village under Samalkota Mandal in Kakinada district on Saturday afternoon.
The blast occurred at the Surya Sri firework unit, located amid agricultural fields between Vetla Palem and G Medapadu. Around 35 workers were reportedly present at the unit when the explosion ripped through the premises, triggering a massive fire.
Rescue operations are underway, though officials fear the death toll may rise. Fire personnel are battling intense flames and thick smoke, which have hampered relief efforts.
The force of the explosion was so powerful that several bodies were blown apart, with remains scattered across nearby fields, making identification a grim challenge for authorities.
Several houses in the vicinity also sustained damage due to the impact of the blast.
Sources said that most of the workers present at the unit were women. The region has a history of firecracker-related accidents, with similar incidents reported in the past resulting in multiple casualties, as the area is known for housing several such units.
Meanwhile, N. Chandrababu Naidu, Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, has directed Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha to rush to the spot and oversee relief and rescue operations.
Senior district officials have reached the site, and further details are awaited as emergency teams continue search and recovery efforts.