Published Feb 28, 2026 | 6:07 PM ⚊ Updated Feb 28, 2026 | 10:48 PM
At least 30 workers were present when the blast ripped through the shed around 2 pm. (Supplied)
Synopsis: The blast flung bodies around the shed where crackers were being manufactured. At least 30 workers were present at the time of the incident.
Twenty people were killed and 13 others injured — nine of them grievously — in an explosion at a fireworks manufacturing unit in Andhra Pradesh’s Kakinada district on Saturday, 28 February.
The blast occurred around 2 pm at Surya Sri Fire Works located near a Godavari canal in Vetlapalem village under Samarlakota mandal of Kakinada.
Massive flames and thick smoke engulfed the area following the explosion, triggering panic in nearby villages. The intensity of the blast was such that it was reportedly heard up to five kilometres away.
At the time of the explosion, 34 workers were present inside the unit.
Police have so far identified 11 of the deceased: Adabala Srinu, Kadimpalli Krupamma, Kadimpalli Dhanaraju, Sadhanala Satyaveni, Vatloori Ravi, Mandapalli Chinni, Nimmada Karuna, Gampala Manga, Godata Mahesh, Godata Ramu, and Godata Nani.
Grim scenes unfolded amid lush green paddy fields as residents assisted in shifting bodies. They had to wade through slushy fields as the village lacked proper road connectivity, which also delayed fire tenders from reaching the scene. Police deployed drones to trace body parts that were flung into nearby agricultural fields in the aftermath of the explosion.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, after visiting the injured at Kakinada Government General Hospital, confirmed that 20 people had died and said nine of the injured were in critical condition. He assured that the best possible medical treatment would be provided to those undergoing treatment.
Holding officials accountable, he announced the suspension of the RDO, DSP, District Labour Officer, and Fire Officer for alleged laxity. He further warned that those responsible would face the harshest possible punishment under the law and that their properties would be attached and seized.
The Chief Minister noted that certain individuals had been operating at the location for over a decade and that the unit had allegedly been manufacturing firecrackers without valid permissions. He said stringent action would be taken against illegal firecracker units operating without licences across the State and that measures would be implemented to prevent recurrence of such tragedies.
He announced an ex gratia of ₹20 lakh to the families of each deceased, in addition to ₹2 lakh announced by the Central government. He pledged comprehensive support to all affected families and acknowledged that failure to adhere to adequate safety precautions while handling explosive materials had led to the tragedy.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi posted on X that he was pained by the loss of lives in the explosion at the factory in Kakinada district. He conveyed his condolences to the bereaved families and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating that rescue and relief operations were underway and that medical care was being provided to the injured.
Former Chief Minister and YSRCP president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy also expressed shock over the tragedy, conveyed condolences to the families of the victims, and urged the government to ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured.
