The death toll in the fireworks factory explosion that rocked Rayavaram in Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Konaseema district of Andhra Pradesh has risen to eight, officials confirmed on Thursday. The state government has set up a two-member inquiry committee to determine the causes behind the deadly blast and to recommend preventive measures.
🔥 Tragedy Strikes Rayavaram
The explosion occurred around 12:30 pm on Wednesday at the Lakshmi Ganapathi Fire Works factory in V. Savaram village, when workers were busy preparing firecrackers for the upcoming Diwali festival.
According to police, the blast was so intense that six people died instantly, their bodies charred beyond recognition. Two others were rushed to a hospital in Rajamahendravaram, where they later succumbed to their injuries.
“The explosion ripped through the unit, collapsing nearby sheds and shattering windows. Rescue teams faced immense difficulty due to the fire’s intensity,”
said District SP Rahul Meena.
🕯️ Victims Identified
Officials identified seven of the deceased as:
- Veligubantla Satyanarayana Murthy (65) – the factory owner, also known as Sattibabu
- Chitturi Shyamala (38)
- Kudipudi Jyoti (38)
- Penke Sesharatnam (40)
- K. Sadananda (48)
- Paka Aruna (35)
- Potnuri Venkataramana (56)
The identity of one more victim is yet to be confirmed.
⚠️ Preliminary Findings Point to Machine Sparks or Short-Circuit
A senior police officer said that preliminary investigations suggest the blast occurred while explosives were being packed into firecrackers using a mechanical device.
“We suspect that sparks from the machine may have ignited nearby materials, causing a chain of explosions. A short-circuit cannot be ruled out either,”
the officer said.
Though factory owners claimed compliance with fire safety norms, officials suspect the unit was producing beyond permitted capacity and had engaged unskilled workers in hazardous work areas.
Firefighters from Amalapuram and Kothapeta took several hours to bring the blaze under control.
🏛️ Government Forms High-Level Inquiry Committee
In response to the tragedy, Chief Secretary K. Vijayanand issued an order on Thursday forming a two-member inquiry panel to probe the incident.
The committee includes:
- S. Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary (Municipal Administration & Urban Development)
- Ake Ravi Krishna, Inspector General, Elite Anti-Narcotics Group for Law Enforcement (EAGLE)
According to the order, the panel will:
- Identify the causes behind the explosion
- Fix accountability on those responsible
- Recommend safety protocols and SOPs to prevent future accidents
The committee has been asked to submit its report within one week.
The district collector and superintendent of police have been instructed to assist the panel and appoint a nodal officer for coordination.
👥 Local Shock and Safety Concerns
Residents of Rayavaram described the explosion as one of the worst industrial accidents in the region’s recent memory.
“The blast was so loud that we felt the tremor a kilometre away. Smoke and debris covered the entire area,”
said a local shopkeeper.
Industrial safety experts say the tragedy highlights the need for stricter enforcement of factory regulations, especially before the festive season when firecracker production peaks.
📊 Background: Firework Factory Incidents in Andhra
Andhra Pradesh has witnessed several firecracker factory accidents in recent years, often caused by improper storage of chemicals, lack of ventilation, and non-compliance with licensing rules.
Authorities say they plan to conduct statewide inspections of all registered fireworks units ahead of Diwali to prevent similar mishaps.
