A massive fire broke out at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Andhra Pradesh’s Konaseema district on Tuesday, leaving six people dead and two others critically injured. The tragic incident occurred in the early hours of the day at the factory located in Vakatippa village, Amalapuram mandal.
According to preliminary reports, the fire is suspected to have been triggered by a sudden explosion inside the unit while workers were engaged in packing fireworks. The intensity of the blast was such that it gutted the entire building, trapping several workers inside. Local residents rushed to the scene upon hearing the explosion and alerted the fire department and police.
Firefighters from nearby stations were deployed immediately and managed to douse the flames after several hours of operation. The injured were rushed to a government hospital in Amalapuram, where they are undergoing treatment. Officials confirmed that six charred bodies were recovered from the debris.
District Collector Himanshu Shukla and senior police officials visited the site and ordered an inquiry into the cause of the fire. Authorities are also verifying whether the factory had the required safety clearances and valid operating licenses.
Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy expressed deep condolences to the families of the deceased and directed officials to ensure proper medical care for the injured. He also announced ex-gratia relief to the victims’ families.
Incidents of fire at cracker units are not uncommon in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, often raising concerns about lax safety measures and poor enforcement of regulations. This latest tragedy once again highlights the urgent need for strict safety protocols in firework manufacturing units.
