21 killed in massive explosion at fireworks manufacturing unit in Kakinada District

metro india news  I kakinada

 At least 21 workers were killed and several others injured in a devastating explosion at an illegal fireworks manufacturing facility in Andhra Pradesh’s Kakinada district on Saturday afternoon, triggering panic across surrounding villages and raising fresh concerns over safety violations in the firecracker industry.

The explosion occurred around 2 p.m. at Surya Sri Fireworks, a unit operating near the Godavari canal under Vetlapalem village limits in Samarlakota mandal. The facility, reportedly functioning in agricultural fields between Vetlapalem and G. Medapadu, was located in an isolated stretch of paddy fields, making access difficult for emergency responders.

According to eyewitnesses, a powerful blast was followed by multiple secondary explosions that continued for nearly an hour, sending thick plumes of smoke across at least five nearby villages. Residents described the sound as earthquake-like, with shockwaves felt across the surrounding area. Authorities said around 25 to 30 workers were employed at the unit daily, most of them women engaged in firecracker assembly work. A large number of women workers were reportedly present at the time of the explosion.

At least 15 persons sustained serious injuries and were shifted to nearby hospitals with the help of local residents. Six injured victims are currently undergoing treatment at Kakinada Government General Hospital (GGH).