18 killed in cracker unit blast in Andhra’s Kakinada, six critical

At least 18 people were killed and six others critically injured in a powerful explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Andhra Pradesh’s Kakinada district on Saturday, state Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha said.

The blast occurred at Surya Fireworks in Vetlapalem village of Samarlakota mandal. According to police, the intensity of the explosion was so severe that several bodies were flung into nearby paddy fields.

“So far, we have information that 18 people were killed and six critically injured. I am on my way to the spot,” Anitha told PTI.

Police said an investigation is underway to determine the cause of the fire that triggered the explosion.

The superintendent of the Kakinada Government General Hospital said seven injured victims were brought to the facility with burn injuries ranging between 90 and 100 per cent. They are currently undergoing treatment.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives. In a post on X, Naidu said the incident had “really pained” him and described the deaths of multiple workers at the crackers manufacturing unit as tragic.

He said he had spoken to officials and directed them to provide immediate assistance to the victims and their families. “We are monitoring the rescue efforts and will come to the aid of the affected families,” he said.

Officials said up to 20 workers were present at the unit when the blast occurred. Naidu has directed senior officials and ministers to visit the accident site.

Police have also deployed drones to search nearby agricultural fields for body parts scattered by the force of the explosion, as rescue and recovery operations continue.