Eight dead and several injured in the Anakapalle firecracker factory blast. Govt announces ₹15 lakh ex-gratia and begins statewide safety audits to prevent future incidents.
A tragic blast at a firecracker factory in Anakapalle has claimed eight lives and injured several others. Andhra Pradesh announces ₹15 lakh ex-gratia and orders a statewide safety audit of firecracker units.
A major explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Kailasapatnam village, under Kotavuratla Mandal in Anakapalle district, has resulted in the deaths of eight people and left several others critically injured. The accident, which occurred around 12:45 PM, has raised serious safety concerns and prompted swift legal and financial responses from both state and central authorities.
Anakapalle firecracker factory blast Eight Killed in Firecracker Blast at Kailasapatnam Unit:
According to local police, four workers died on the spot, and four more succumbed to their injuries while being transported to nearby hospitals. At least five other workers sustained severe burns and are receiving treatment at a local medical facility. The deceased have been identified as residents from Visakhapatnam, Anakapalli, and Kakinada districts, indicating the widespread impact of the tragedy across the region.
The blast occurred at the Vijayalaxmi Ganesh Fireworks unit. Preliminary investigations suggest the unit had a license to store only up to 15 kg of explosive raw materials. However, a forensic inquiry has been initiated to determine if the permissible limit was breached. Samples have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory, and full legal proceedings will follow based on the final report.
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Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF)
Government Responds with Ex-Gratia and Legal Action
₹15 Lakh Compensation Announced
Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha announced an ex-gratia of ₹15 lakh to the families of each deceased worker—a special enhancement over the standard ₹5 lakh, acknowledging the scale of the tragedy. Injured individuals will receive ₹1 lakh each from the State government. The Central Government has also stepped in with ₹2 lakh for the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured through the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund.
Legal Action Taken Against Manager
The unit’s manager, M. Janakiram, who also sustained injuries, has been booked under Sections 105 and 125(a) read with 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and Sections 3 and 5 of the Explosive Substances Act for negligence and unauthorized storage of materials.
State Orders Safety Audit of Firecracker Units:
Safety Audit for All Firecracker Units Ordered
In the wake of the tragedy, the Andhra Pradesh government has ordered a statewide safety audit of all licensed firecracker manufacturing units. With 21 such factories operating in Anakapalle district alone, a high-level committee will be formed to inspect safety standards and compliance with explosives regulations.
The move is aimed at averting future tragedies and enforcing strict compliance with explosives safety laws across the state.
National Disaster Management Authority – Fire Safety Guidelines
Conclusion:
The Anakapalle firecracker factory blast is a grim reminder of the risks associated with fireworks manufacturing and lax safety compliance. With eight lives lost and multiple injuries, the spotlight is now on enforcement and regulatory action. Stay tuned to NewsAffair360 for continued coverage and updates on the legal proceedings and safety reforms.
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