New Delhi: At least 21 workers died in a fireworks factory blast in Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh, on Saturday afternoon. The blast took place at Surya Sri Fireworks in Vetlapalem village. Most of the victims are reported to be women working inside the unit at the time, according to media reports.
Eight others were seriously injured and have been shifted to nearby hospitals for treatment.
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu reacted with shock to the incident. He was visiting Vizianagaram when he received the news and immediately instructed officials to ensure prompt rescue and relief operations. He also directed Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha to rush to the site and monitor the situation closely.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed grief over the loss of lives in the explosion. In a post on X, he extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured.
Modi also announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund for the next of kin of each deceased individual. Those injured in the blast will receive Rs 50,000 each.
