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PM Modi Announces ₹2 Lakh Ex-Gratia for Andhra Firecracker Blast Victims

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced financial relief from the PMNRF for victims of a deadly explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Andhra Pradesh's Kakinada district. The incident in Vetlapalem resulted in multiple fatalities and critical injuries, with about 20 workers reportedly present. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu has directed ministers and officials to visit the site and oversee rescue operations. State Minister Nara Lokesh expressed shock and pledged the government's support to the affected families.

Key Points: Andhra Firecracker Blast: PM Modi Announces Ex-Gratia Relief

  • ₹2 lakh ex-gratia for deceased kin
  • ₹50,000 for injured persons
  • Blast at Kakinada firecracker unit
  • Critical injuries reported
  • CM Naidu directs officials to site
2 min read

PM Modi announces ex-gratia for victims of firecracker factory explosion in Andhra Pradesh

PM Modi announces ₹2 lakh ex-gratia for families of deceased, ₹50k for injured after fatal firecracker factory explosion in Andhra Pradesh's Kakinada.

"Pained by the loss of lives... I extend my condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. - PM Narendra Modi"

New Delhi, February 28

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep grief over the massive fire that broke out on Saturday at a firecracker unit in Kakinada district of Andhra Pradesh.

The PM announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 for those injured.

In a post on X, he wrote," 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 Narendra Modi."

The incident occured in Vetlapalem, Kakinada district, on Saturday, where a fire broke out in a firecracker manufacturing unit. The condition of several injured persons is reported to be critical. Sagili Shan Mohan, Collector & District Magistrate have informed about th incident.

Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu spoke with officials regarding the accident. The CM inquired about the cause 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. CM 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.

Nara Lokesh, Minister for Education and IT of Andhra Pradesh, also spoke on the incident.

He said," I am deeply shocked to learn of the explosion at the firecracker manufacturing unit in Vetlapalem, Samarlakota Mandal, Kakinada District. The tragedy of several people losing their lives is beyond words. I offer my condolences to the deceased. The coalition government will stand by the families of the deceased. We will ensure better medical treatment for the injured."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is so heartbreaking. These workers are often from poor backgrounds, risking their lives daily. The compensation is necessary, but what about long-term support for the families, especially the children's education? Hope the state government also announces a proper rehabilitation package.
R
Rohit P
Swift response from the PM and CM is good to see. But announcements after accidents are not enough. Need strict, surprise safety audits for all cracker units before Diwali season. Jai Hind.
A
Aman W
₹2 lakh for a life? With due respect, this amount is insufficient in today's time. The government should link compensation to minimum wage and potential future earnings of the deceased. The focus should be on prevention. Prayers for the injured.
M
Michael C
Terrible news. Hope the injured recover fully. It's positive that both central and state governments are coordinating. The real test will be implementing the safety laws that already exist on paper.
N
Nisha Z
So sad. Every year we hear such stories before Diwali. As consumers, maybe we should also think twice before buying crackers. If demand reduces, perhaps fewer people will be forced to work in these dangerous conditions. #SafetyFirst

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