One dead, three injured in firecracker explosion in Vishakapatnam

VISAKHAPATNAM: One person has died while three others were injured when fire broke out at an illegal firecracker unit on the outskirts of the Chinayatapalem village under Sabbavaram mandal in Anakapalle district on Tuesday morning. Around six workers were busy making crackers at the time of the incident.

The roof of the unit caved-in moments after some firecrackers exploded drawing the attention of the villagers. They immediately informed the police and fire service personnel.

The police said B. Mahesh (38) and Kamalamma alias Lakshmi were severely injured and were shifted to KGH in Vizag city where Mahesh succumbed to burn injuries while undergoing treatment. The remaining two injured persons - Shankar Rao and Prasad - were shifted to government hospital at Anakapalli for treatment.

A. Varaha Trimurthula Naidu from Anakapalli took a small piece of land on the outskirts of the village and reportedly hired some people for manufacturing the firecrackers illegally.

The locals said that over eight to 10 illegal firecracker units have been operating at various locations in Anakapalli district. The police have registered a case and launched a hunt to nab the prime accused in the case.

Around two years ago, two persons have died and five others were injured when an explosion took place at an illegal firecracker unit in Gullipalle village under Sabbavaram mandal.