A powerful explosion tore through a fireworks manufacturing unit in Andhra Pradesh’s Kakinada district on Friday afternoon, resulting in the deaths of more than ten people and leaving several others seriously injured, according to preliminary reports. The blast occurred around 2 pm at Surya Sri Fire Works in Vetlapalem village, located between Vetlapalem and G Medapadu, triggering immediate chaos and emergency response efforts in the surrounding area.
Authorities said the explosion was extremely intense, sparking a massive fire and sending thick columns of smoke high into the sky, which created panic among residents in nearby villages. The force of the blast was so strong that it was reportedly heard up to five kilometres away. Witnesses described scenes of devastation, with bodies allegedly thrown into adjacent agricultural fields and structural damage reported in nearby areas, including cracks developing in the slab of a private school building.
At least eight injured individuals were transported to nearby hospitals by ambulance for urgent medical treatment, while officials have yet to release the identities of those killed. Fire department personnel rushed to the site with multiple fire engines and began efforts to contain the flames, as rescue teams continued searching the premises amid fears that additional workers may have been inside the facility at the time of the explosion.
The exact cause of the incident remains unclear, and authorities have announced that a detailed investigation will be carried out to determine whether safety protocols were followed at the fireworks unit and to establish the total number of workers present during the blast. Rescue and relief operations remain ongoing as officials assess the full extent of the damage and casualties.
