Kakinada (Gurpreet Singh)— The death toll from the catastrophic explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Vetlapalem village has tragically risen to 21, with eight others fighting for their lives in critical condition. The incident, which occurred at “Surya Sri Fireworks” (also reported as Suryashri) around 2:45 PM on Saturday, February 28, 2026, is now being described as the deadliest industrial accident in Andhra Pradesh in over a decade.
The intensity of the blast was so massive that bodies were flung into the surrounding lush green paddy fields, and the sound of the explosion was reported up to five kilometres away. Local villagers described the impact as “earthquake-like,” with windows of nearby houses shattering and the slab of a local school developing deep cracks. Rescue teams, supported by the police and fire services, have been using drones to locate victims and body parts scattered across the agricultural landscape.
Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha confirmed the updated figures on Saturday evening, noting that most of the deceased were women who were working inside the unit during the time of the mishap. At the Kakinada Government General Hospital (GGH), the superintendent reported that several of the injured have sustained burns ranging from 90 to 100 per cent, making the next 24 to 48 hours critical for their survival.
Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu, who was on an official tour in Vizianagaram, expressed his profound grief over the loss of life. “The explosion at a crackers manufacturing unit at Vetlapalem village has really pained me. Multiple people losing their lives in this accident is sad,” Naidu posted on X. He has directed senior ministers and the District Collector to oversee the relief operations and has ordered a comprehensive probe into whether the unit was operating within safety regulations. While the factory reportedly held a valid license until 2027, initial investigations are focusing on potential mishandling or overstocking of explosive materials.
