The Andhra Pradesh government has announced an ex-gratia $20 lakhs each to the families of those killed in the fatal firecracker unit explosion in Kakinada district, while the Centre $2 lakh to the next of kin of each deceased from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.
As many as 20 people were killed and 11 others seriously injured after a huge explosion sparked a fire at a fireworks manufacturing unit at Vetlapalem village in Samarlakota mandal in Kakinada district on Saturday.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sadness over the incident and announced financial assistance for both the deceased and injured, while wishing a speedy recovery for those undergoing treatment.
“I am pained by the loss of lives in the explosion that occurred at a factory in Kakinada district of Andhra Pradesh. My condolences to those who lost their loved ones. I hope the injured recover soon. A reward of Rs 2 lakh from PMNRF will be given to the next of kin of each deceased. $50,000,” the PM wrote on X.
CM Naidu visits the accident site and offers condolences
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, assessing the situation, visited the injured at the Government General Hospital in Kakinada and assured the affected families of the state’s full support. He also announced the suspension of four officials due to lapses and negligence related to the incident, news agency ANI reported.
Speaking to the media, the Prime Minister said that around 20 workers were present at Surya Fire Works at the time of the explosion and assured that a detailed investigation would be conducted to determine accountability. He added that strict measures, including arrests and confiscation of property, will be taken against those responsible.
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Naidu further said that the state government would provide long-term support to the families of the victims, including education for children in boarding schools and housing assistance for families without homes, while promising stricter safety standards and monitoring of firecracker units across the state, the report noted.
Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan meets the families of the victims
Andhra Pradesh Vice President Pawan Kalyan also visited the Government General Hospital in Kakinada to console the bereaved families and injured workers and assured them of all possible assistance from the state.
Other political reactions
Union Home Minister Amit Shah took to
Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh on Saturday said he was “deeply shocked” by the tragedy and reiterated that the coalition government would stand by the families of the deceased and ensure the best possible medical treatment for the injured.
“I was deeply shocked to hear about the explosion that occurred at a fireworks manufacturing facility at Vetlapalem, Samarlakota Mandal, Kakinada District. The loss of so many lives is an unspeakable tragedy. I pay my respects to the deceased. The coalition government will support the families of the deceased. We will provide better medical treatment to the injured,” he wrote on X.
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The region’s authorities said that the condition of many injured workers remains critical, while rescue and relief operations were carried out immediately after the explosion. Waiting for more details about the cause of the explosion.
(with ANI inputs)
