At least 18 people were killed and several others injured in a massive explosion at the Suryasri Fireworks Centre in Vetlapalem village of Samaralakota mandal in Kakinada district on Saturday afternoon.
According to reports, the explosion occurred around 2 p.m. at the fireworks manufacturing unit located next to the Godavari Canal, triggering a massive fire that engulfed the premises. The impact of the blast was so severe that the sound was heard nearly five kilometres away, while dense smoke filled the surrounding fields. According to locals, the force of the explosion even caused cracks in the roof of a private school in a neighbouring village.
Eight seriously injured persons were shifted to nearby hospitals, with six undergoing treatment at the Government General Hospital in Kakinada. Authorities fear the toll could rise as rescue and relief operations continue.
Eyewitnesses said the explosion flung several victims into adjacent agricultural fields. The factory, reportedly set up across six sheds in the middle of farmland, allegedly lacked proper road access for emergency vehicles, posing challenges for rescue teams. Two fire engines were dispatched immediately to douse the flames and carry out rescue operations.
The unit is said to belong to the family of Adapa Nani. Local residents stated that most of the deceased were women workers employed at the factory.
11 Victims Identified
So far, 11 of the deceased have been identified as Adabala Srinu, Kadimpalli Kripamma, Kadimpalli Dhanaraju, Sadhanala Satyaveni, Vatluri Ravi, Mandapalli Chinni, Nimmada Karuna, Gampala Manga, Godatha Mahesh, Godatha Ramu, and Godatha Nani. Efforts are underway to ascertain the identities of the remaining victims.
Officials briefed Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu about the incident while he was on a tour in Vizianagaram. The Chief Minister directed authorities to initiate immediate relief measures and instructed Home Minister Vangalapudi Anita to visit the site.
In a post on X, Naidu said, “It is heartbreaking that several lives were lost in this accident. I have spoken with senior officials regarding the incident. I have instructed that immediate necessary assistance be provided to the affected individuals. We are monitoring the relief measures. We stand with the bereaved families.”
Home Minister Anita also stated that the government would extend all possible support to the affected families and that relief efforts were being monitored continuously.
District Collector Shanmohan and Superintendent of Police Bindu Madhav reached the scene and are supervising the ongoing rescue and investigation efforts.
Further details are awaited as rescue operations continue.
