Authorities said the explosion was so powerful that it triggered a large fire and sent thick plumes of smoke billowing into the sky, causing panic in surrounding villages.
A massive explosion ripped through a fireworks manufacturing unit in Andhra Pradesh’s Kakinada district on Friday afternoon, leaving more than 10 people dead and several others injured, according to preliminary reports.
The blast occurred around 2 pm at Surya Sri Fire Works, in Vetlapalem village in Kakinada district. The unit is situated between Vetlapalem and G Medapadu.
Authorities said the explosion was so powerful that it triggered a large fire and sent thick plumes of smoke billowing into the sky, causing panic in surrounding villages.
Initial information suggests that over 10 people lost their lives in the incident, while at least eight others sustained severe injuries.
The injured were rushed to nearby hospitals in ambulances for treatment. Officials have not yet released the identities of the victims.
Residents in the area reported hearing a loud blast that could be heard up to five kilometres away.
The impact of the explosion was so intense that bodies were reportedly thrown into nearby crop fields.
Cracks were also said to have developed in the slab of a private school building in a neighbouring village due to the force of the blast.
Fire department teams rushed to the site with two fire engines and began efforts to control the flames.
Emergency responders and local authorities are continuing rescue and relief operations amid concerns that more workers may have been present at the facility at the time of the explosion.