Andhra firecracker unit blast: Probe underway to determine if raw materials exceeded permissible limit

Hyderabad: Although Diwali is still months away, the victims of yesterday's blast in Kailasapatnam, Anakapalle district, Andhra Pradesh, were manufacturing firecrackers for local goddess festivals and weddings typically celebrated after Ugadi.

With numerous orders to fulfil, the Vijayalakshmi Ganesh firecracker unit had been operating continuously, even on Sundays. While the facility normally employs about 30 workers across eight sheds, only 16 were on duty on Sunday. Tragically, eight lost their lives in the explosion, with eight others receiving treatment. Four of the injured are reportedly out of danger, while two remain in critical condition.

Most victims hailed from Samarlakota in the neighbouring East Godavari district. Locals noted the factory, known for manufacturing rocket firecrackers, had increased staffing due to high demand during wedding season.

Anakapalle District SP Tuheen Sinha confirmed on Monday that post-mortem procedures for all eight bodies have been completed and cases registered regarding the incident. The deceased have been identified as Dadi Ramalakshmi (35), Puram Papa (40), Gumpina Venubabu (34), Sangarati Govindu (40), Appikonda Pallayya (50), Senapati Baburao (55), Devara Nirmala (38), and Hemanth (20).

A comprehensive report on firecracker manufacturing centres across the district will be prepared and submitted to the government. Though the centre holds permits valid until next year, authorities are conducting a thorough investigation.

With the proprietor Appikonda Pallayya among the deceased, police have filed a case against unit manager M Janakiram, who suffered burns in the explosion. Charges include culpable homicide not amounting to murder (Section 105), acts endangering life (Section 125(a) r/w 3(5) of BNS), and violations under Sections 3 and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act.

According to preliminary investigations, SP Tuheen Sinha said the explosion originated when workers were pulverising sulphur, potassium nitrate, and rock salt in Unit-II. A spark triggered the initial explosion, which subsequently spread to the adjacent Unit-I.

Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha revealed that 21 licensed firecracker units operate in Anakapalle district. Initial inquiries suggest the unit exceeded the authorised 15 kg limit for raw materials. Samples have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory for comprehensive examination to confirm whether safety protocols were violated.

A state-wide investigation is currently underway to ensure adherence to safety regulations at all firecracker manufacturing facilities.