A massive explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit in the BR Ambedkar Konaseema district in Andhra Pradesh on Wednesday afternoon led to the death of six people, including four women, with eight others severely injured.
According to the police, the incident occurred at around 12:30 pm at the Lakshmi Ganapati Fireworks Factory at V Savaram Village of Rayavaram Block, during the ongoing manufacturing of firecrackers for the festival of Diwali.
District Superintendent of Police (DSP) Rahul Meena told the media that six people died on the scene. Their bodies couldn't even be identified. He stated, "We are trying to verify the identities of the dead bodies which have been recovered from the site."
The owner of the factory, Velugibantla Satyanarayana Murthy, also known as Sattibabu, is also believed to be one of the victims of the explosion.
Among those injured, one of them is critical, while others are receiving treatment. The SP said, "Several others sustained injuries. Two workers with severe burns were shifted to the Anaparthi Government Hospital for emergency treatment, while others were admitted to nearby private hospitals."
The police rushed to the spot immediately, ever since the news of the explosion surfaced, taking up the rescue operations. Firefighters also ensured evacuation and rescue as soon as they reached with their team.
During the explosion, there were about 40 workers present in the factory. The powerful blast led the shed walls to collapse immediately. Officials suspect that a few workers might still be trapped inside the debris.
One of the officials said that the cause of the explosion in the factory wasn't known immediately. He told the media, "It's not known yet as to what triggered the explosion. However, it led to massive flames, which engulfed the entire factory within a few minutes. Six people, including four women, lost their lives."
Collector of Dr BR Ambedkar Konaseema district, Mahesh Kumar, revealed that the factory unit was inspected by the local police and revenue officials. They stated that all safety measures were in place in their report. He said, "We are now examining whether the owners properly maintained and used the fire safety equipment."
MLA Nalamilli Ranakrishna Reddy reached the accident site after learning about the mishap. He told the media that the accident occurred close to the border of East Godavari and Konaseema districts.
The MLA said, "Factory over Satyanarayana Murthy and his family have been into firecracker making for the last 70 years. They always maintained safety precautions. It is tragic that such an experienced person also lost his life in this accident."
Chief Minister K Chandrababu Naidu also expressed deep shock and grief over the tragic explosion. He reviewed the situation and held discussions with senior officials, further ordering officials to rush to the site immediately and oversee the relief operations.
The CM has also sought a detailed report of the accident, including its cause, the condition of the injured, and the relief measures underway.