Six workers, proprietor killed in explosion at firecracker unit in Konaseema district of A.P.

Seven persons, including three women workers and the proprietor, were burnt alive in an explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit at V. Savaram village under Rayavaram police limits in Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district on Wednesday. A short circuit in the electrical wiring system at the unit reportedly led to the accident.

The explosion was reported at Sri Ganapathi Fire Works, a firecracker manufacturing-cum-sales unit, at around 12.30 p.m. The crackers stored at the unit caught fire and exploded. The wall of the unit collapsed under the impact of the explosion.

Home Minister V. Anitha, who inspected the unit, confirmed the death of seven persons who were working at the unit at the time of explosion.

“As per the preliminary reports, a short circuit in the wiring system is believed to be the cause of the explosion,” she said.

“Seven persons, including the proprietor of the unit, died in the incident. Three workers survived with 90% of burn injuries. Their health condition is critical. Ten workers were inside the unit when the explosion occurred,” Dr. B.R.Ambedkar Konaseema District Collector R. Mahesh Kumar told The Hindu.

Thick smoke billowing from the cracker unit after the explosion, in Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema district on Wednesday.

The deceased have been identified as Velugubantla Suryanarayana (65), Proprietor of the unit; Paka Aruna (35), Chittori Syamala (35), Penkey Sesharatnam (40) and Kudupudi Jyothi (38), all workers. The identity of two more deceased was yet to be ascertained when the last repoprt came in.

The identity of Velugubandla Satayanarayana was confirmed from the gold ring he was wearing.

All the deceased and the survivors belong to Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema district.

Superintendent of Police Rahul Meena said that the details of two more deceased had not been ascertained yet, as the survivors were not in a state to recollect the details of the incident due to trauma.

The Home Minister said that the incident would be probed in detail, adding that the licence of the firecracker unit is due to expire in March 2026.

The firecracker unit had met all the safety criteria during a police inspection done recently, she said.

The police have registered a case and the investigation is on.

Governor expresses shock

Meanwhile, Governor S. Abdul Nazeer expressed grief over the incident. He offered condolences to the bereaved families and asked the district administration to provide the necessary treatment to the injured.

Deputy Chief Minister K. Pawan Kalyan expressed shock. Steps need to be taken to ensure strict adherence to fire safety norms at the cracker manufacturing units to prevent the recurrence of such incidents. The government would extend all possible help to the bereaved families, he said in a release.