NewKerala.com

Andhra Firecracker Blast Kills 18; Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan Visits Victims' Kin

A massive explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Vetlapalem, Kakinada district, has claimed 18 lives, with several others critically injured. Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan visited the Government General Hospital to console the grieving families of the victims. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the incident, directing ministers and officials to the site, while Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced financial assistance from the PMNRF. Home Minister Amit Shah also expressed his condolences over the tragic accident.

Key Points: Andhra Firecracker Factory Explosion: 18 Dead, Leaders Offer Condolences

  • 18 dead in Kakinada firecracker unit blast
  • Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan visits hospital to console families
  • PM Modi announces Rs 2 lakh ex-gratia for kin of deceased
  • CM Chandrababu Naidu reviews rescue, relief operations
  • Home Minister Amit Shah offers condolences
2 min read

Andhra: Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan meets families of Vetlapalem explosion victims

18 killed in a massive explosion at a firecracker unit in Kakinada's Vetlapalem. Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan visits families, PM Modi & CM Naidu announce relief.

"Pained by the loss of lives... An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. - PM Narendra Modi"

Kakinada, March 1

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan visited the Government General Hospital in Kakinada to console the families of those who lost their lives in a massive explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Vetlapalem, Kakinada district.

18 people have died after a fire broke out in a firecracker manufacturing unit in Vetlapalem, Kakinada district, on Saturday.

The condition of several injured persons is reported to be critical. Sagili Shan Mohan, Collector & District Magistrate have informed about the incident.

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu spoke with officials regarding the same Kakinada accident. CM reviewed the explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Kakinada district.

The Chief Minister inquired about the causes of the accident and the ongoing rescue and relief operations at the site. Officials informed that around 20 people were working at Surya Fire Works where the accident occurred. Naidu expressed grief over the large number of firecracker workers losing their lives. The Chief Minister directed ministers and senior officials to visit the accident site.

Prime Minister Modi also offered condolences to the affected families. He said," 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. An ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM."

Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke about the incident and sends condolsence to the families of the deceased.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
It's good to see Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan visiting the hospital immediately. Leaders showing empathy matters. But condolences and ex-gratia are not enough. We need a permanent solution. How many more such accidents will it take before proper licensing and safety audits become mandatory?
R
Rohit P
Very sad news from Andhra. Firecracker units are a necessary evil around festivals, but safety is always compromised for profit. The Rs. 2 lakh compensation from PMNRF is a good gesture, but it can never replace a life. Hope the injured recover soon.
S
Sarah B
This is so tragic. While the PM and HM offering condolences is important, the focus should be on the ground-level implementation of safety laws. Are these units even legal? Were the workers given any protective gear? The district administration must answer these questions.
V
Vikram M
Heart goes out to Kakinada. Every year we hear similar stories from Sivakasi or other places. When will we learn? The compensation is okay, but what about job rehabilitation for the families left behind? The government should also ensure the children's education is taken care of.
K
Karthik V
Respectfully, while the CM and Deputy CM's visits are being highlighted, the real issue is systemic neglect. These small-scale units operate under the radar. We need a dedicated task force to inspect all such hazardous manufacturing setups across the state, not just after an accident.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50