18 killed, 6 injured in blast at cracker unit in Andhra Pradesh

The impact of the explosion was such that bodies were flung in the nearby paddy fields. (Credit: New Indian Express)

As many as 18 people were killed while six others were injured in an explosion at a cracker manufacturing unit in Andhra Pradesh's Kakinanda dictrict on Saturday.

The incident occurred at Vetlakpalem village in Samarlakota mandal in Kakinada. According to officials, at least 20 people were working in the cracker unit when the blast occurred. The intensity of the blast was such that the bodies were flung into nearby paddy fields.

According to news agency PTI, fire and smoke emanated from the blast site, and an ambulance rushed to rescue the injured. Horrifying scenes played out amid lush green paddy fields as locals were seen shifting bodies in ‘barakalu’, sheets made of fertiliser bags. Police deployed drones to locate body parts that were flung into nearby agricultural fields.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu expressed sadness over the event. "The explosion incident at the Banasancha manufacturing center in Vetlapalem, Kakinada district, has caused profound shock. It is heartbreaking that several lives were lost in this accident," said Naidu in a post on X.

Naidu said he spoke to officials over the accident and directed them to extend immediate help to the victims. "We are monitoring the rescue efforts and will come to the aid of the affected families," he said.

Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha also visited the spot. The Superintendent of Kakinada Government General Hospital said the hospital received seven patients with burns ranging from 90 to 100 per cent and all of them are undergoing treatment.

District Collector Sagili Shan Mohan said several others who sustained injuries are said to be in critical condition.