A massive explosion at a fireworks manufacturing facility in southern India has killed at least 20 people and left several others critically injured, police said.
The explosion occurred on Saturday at a firecracker unit in Vetlapalem village, in the Samarlakota area of Andhra Pradesh’s Kakinada district. The unit, identified by officials as Surya Fireworks, was operating when the blast tore through the premises, sparking a major fire.
According to authorities, around 35 to 40 workers were inside the factory at the time. Kakinada superintendent of police G Bindu Madhav told Press Trust of India: “We have information that 20 people were killed in the incident.”
Witnesses described scenes of devastation at the site of the explosion, with smoke rising from the site and ambulances rushing the injured to the hospital.
At the Government General Hospital in Kakinada, doctors said several patients had suffered extremely severe burns.
Prime minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences and announced ex gratia relief of 200,000 Indian rupees for the victims’ families. “Pained by the loss of lives in the explosion at a factory in Kakinada district of Andhra Pradesh. I extend my condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon,” he wrote on X.
He said that the injured would be given rupees 50,000.
The state government separately announced compensation of 20 lakh (approximately USD 24,000) for each family that lost a member in the blast.
Chief minister N Chandrababu Naidu visited the injured at the hospital and reviewed the situation. In a message posted on X, he said: “The explosion at a crackers manufacturing unit at Vetlapalem village in Kakinada district has really pained me. Multiple people losing their lives in this accident is sad.”
He added that he had directed officials to ensure immediate aid and closely monitor rescue operations. “We are monitoring the rescue efforts and will come to the aid of the affected families,” he said.
The chief minister ordered a detailed inquiry into the incident and announced the suspension of four officials over alleged lapses and negligence, according to the ANI news agency.
He warned that strict action, including arrests and seizure of property, would be taken against those found responsible.
Police and district authorities have launched an investigation.
