At least 18 persons were killed in a massive explosion at a fireworks manufacturing unit in Vetlapalem village of Samarlakota mandal in Kakinada district on Saturday afternoon.
The blast occurred around 2:00 PM at the Suryashree Fire Works unit and was reportedly heard up to five kilometres away. The impact was so powerful that bodies were flung into nearby paddy fields and cracks developed in the roof of a nearby school building.
Vangalapudi Anitha confirmed that at least 18 people have died, though some reports suggest the toll could rise to 19 or 20. Most of the deceased are believed to be women workers who were inside the unit at the time of the explosion.
At least six persons sustained critical burn injuries ranging between 90% and 100% and are undergoing treatment at the Kakinada Government General Hospital.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep grief over the tragedy and directed the Home Minister to rush to the spot to oversee rescue operations and ensure proper medical care for the injured.
Rescue and relief operations are ongoing, and officials are assessing the extent of damage.
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