NewsAffair360 | April 15, 2025 | Visakhapatnam

A tragic explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Kailasapatnam, Anakapalle district has claimed at least one life and left several others injured. In response, Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha has announced an enhanced ex-gratia of ₹15 lakh for the families of the deceased.

Speaking to the media on Monday, Minister Anitha stated, “Although the standard compensation in fire-related accidents is ₹5 lakh, the government has increased the amount to ₹15 lakh as a special measure. Additionally, ₹1 lakh will be provided to each injured person by the State government.”

The Central Government has also extended financial aid, offering ₹2 lakh for the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured.

The deceased has been identified as Appikonda Pallayya (50), the proprietor of Vijayalaxmi Ganesh Fireworks. The unit’s manager, M. Janakiram, who sustained burn 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.

According to Anakapalle SP Tuhin Sinha, initial investigations revealed that the cracker unit had a license to store up to 15 kg of raw materials. A forensic investigation is currently underway to determine whether this limit was exceeded. Samples have been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory, and further legal action will follow upon receipt of the full report.

The State government has also ordered a comprehensive safety audit of all firecracker units in Andhra Pradesh. There are currently 21 licensed firecracker manufacturing units in Anakapalle alone. A dedicated committee will be formed to inspect compliance with safety regulations across the state.

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