Eight killed in firecracker unit blast in Anakapalli

Visakhapatnam: A tragic explosion at a firecracker unit in Kailasapatnam, Kotlavuratla Mandal of Anakapalli district, claimed the lives of eight workers and left seven others injured on Sunday.

The blast occurred around 12:45 PM and triggered a massive fire, leading to the collapse of parts of the building. Among the deceased are two women.

According to preliminary reports, the factory, situated in an industrial area about two kilometers from the outskirts of the village, had approximately 15 workers inside at the time of the explosion. The intensity of the blast trapped several individuals under the debris. Hearing the explosion, local residents rushed to the site and began helping to rescue the injured.

The injured have been shifted to hospital immediately

Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha visited the accident site and later met the victims at the hospital.

Andhra Pradesh government announced an exgratia of ₹15 lakh to each family of those who lost their lives in tragedy.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed shock over the incident and directed district officials to ensure the injured receive the best possible medical care. The CM instructed officials to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident and submit a report to him.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also expressed his condolences and announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF) for the next of kin of each deceased, and ₹50,000 for each injured person.

The Prime Minister’s Office shared a message on X (formerly Twitter), stating:

“Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in a factory mishap in Anakapalli district of Andhra Pradesh. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected.”