2 killed in fire at cracker shop in Vijayawada; 3 shops gutted

NTR district: Two people died after a fire broke out in a firecracker shop at Gymkhana grounds in Vijayawada on Sunday morning. Of the 19 shops, three were burned down.

Fire engines rushed to the spot and extinguished the fire. Fire and police departments are investigating the reason for the mishap and a case has been registered.

Speaking on the incident, Kanti Rana Tata, the commissioner of police, NTR commissionerate, said, "The incident took place during the wee hours while one of the shop owners was unloading firecrackers. Though initially was suspected that the crackers were country-made, the actual reason is being ascertained. Two people who were asleep at one of the shops died."

All precautionary measures have been taken such as the stationing of fire personnel and providing hand-held fire extinguishers in all the shops.