Andhra firecracker unit blast: 20 killed in fire after massive explosion in Kakinada

At least 20 people are feared dead in a massive explosion at a firecracker unit in Andhra Pradesh's Vetla Palem village, Samalkota Mandal, Kakinada SP Bindu Madhav told news agency PTI.

According to the Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister's Office, N. Chandrababu Naidu reviewed the firecracker factory explosion in Kakinada and held discussions with officials on the incident and ongoing rescue efforts.

In an official statement, the CMO said: “Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu spoke with officials regarding the Kakinada accident incident. The Chief Minister reviewed the explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Vetlapalem, Samarlakota Mandal, Kakinada district. The Chief Minister inquired about the causes of the accident and the ongoing rescue and relief operations at the site. Officials informed that around 20 people were working at Surya Fire Works where the accident occurred. The CM expressed grief over the large number of firecracker workers losing their lives. The Chief Minister directed ministers and senior officials to visit the accident site.”