Blast at Andhra Pradesh firecracker unit leaves six dead

A major explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Andhra Pradesh’s B R Ambedkar Konaseema district claimed the lives of six people, including four women, on Wednesday afternoon. Eight others were injured in the blast, which occurred at the Lakshmi Ganapathi Fire Works factory in V Savaram village of Rayavaram block. The workers were preparing firecrackers for the upcoming Diwali festival when the accident took place.

The explosion happened at around 12:30 pm, according to police reports. District Superintendent of Police, Rahul Meena, said six people died instantly, with their bodies badly charred beyond recognition. Authorities are in the process of verifying the identities of the deceased. Among the victims, the factory owner, Veligubantla Satyanarayana Murthy, also known as Sattibabu, is believed to have died in the incident. Eight others were injured; two workers with severe burns were rushed to Anaparthi Government Hospital, while the rest were admitted to private hospitals. One of the injured is reported to be in critical condition.

Around 40 workers were present at the factory during the explosion. The blast was so powerful that the shed walls collapsed, trapping some workers under debris. Firefighters and police rushed to the site immediately to carry out rescue operations. Authorities are still unsure of the exact cause of the explosion, but initial reports suggest the blast triggered massive flames, engulfing the factory within minutes.

Safety measures and ongoing investigation

The tragedy has raised questions about safety compliance at the factory. District Collector Mahesh Kumar said that just a week ago, local police and revenue officials inspected the unit and reported that all safety measures were in place. However, after the explosion, officials are examining whether fire safety equipment was properly maintained and used. Investigators are continuing to determine the precise cause of the blast.

Anaparthi MLA Nallamilli Ramakrishna Reddy visited the site soon after the accident. He mentioned that the factory is located near the border of East Godavari and Konaseema districts. He also highlighted that the Satyanarayana Murthy family had been in the firecracker business for nearly 70 years and were known for following safety precautions. Despite this experience, the explosion resulted in a tragic loss of life.

The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister, N Chandrababu Naidu, expressed deep shock over the incident. He directed senior officials to visit the site immediately and oversee rescue and relief operations. Naidu also sought a detailed report on the accident, including the cause, condition of the injured, and the relief measures in progress.

State Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha also expressed grief over the tragedy. She contacted the district SP and fire department officials to review the situation and ensure that appropriate measures are being taken for the injured and affected families.

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Community and family impact

The explosion has left a deep impact on the local community. Rescue teams continue to search for any workers who may still be trapped under the debris. Families of the victims are receiving support from local authorities, and efforts are underway to provide medical treatment, financial aid, and emotional support to those affected.

Authorities are also investigating whether any procedural lapses or negligence contributed to the accident. While the factory had a long history in the firecracker industry, the incident highlights the risks involved in manufacturing explosives, even when safety norms are reportedly followed.

Local residents expressed shock and sorrow at the accident, noting that such mishaps are particularly tragic ahead of festivals like Diwali, when firecrackers are in high demand. Police and fire officials are expected to submit a complete report on the incident, and further actions may be taken based on their findings.

The explosion in Konaseema is a reminder of the importance of strict safety protocols in hazardous industries, especially those dealing with explosives. Authorities have vowed to ensure proper monitoring of similar units across the state to prevent such devastating accidents in the future.