Explosion at Andhra Pradesh Firecracker Unit Kills 21, Injures Several

A massive explosion at the licensed Surya Sri Fireworks unit in Vetlapalem village, Kakinada district, Andhra Pradesh, on February 28 killed 21 people, including the factory owner, and critically injured nine others. The blast, caused by a fire amid unsafe conditions and overcrowding beyond permitted limits, scattered bodies into nearby paddy fields. Rescue efforts faced challenges due to difficult terrain. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu announced Rs 20 lakh ex-gratia for victims' families and suspended four officials for negligence. Investigations into the cause are ongoing.