Vetlapalem (Andhra Pradesh), February 28 At least seven people were killed here in the Kakinada district on Saturday, following an explosion at a firecracker unit, said Andhra Pradesh Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha.
The Home Minister expressed concern that the death toll could rise and added that several people have been taken to hospitals for treatment.
"We have received information that seven people died and several others have been taken to the hospital," Anitha said while speaking to a news channel.
Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu expressed his sadness over the explosion.
"The explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Vetlapalem village in the Kakinada district has deeply saddened me. The loss of multiple lives in this accident is very distressing," said Naidu in a post on X.
Naidu said he had spoken to officials about the accident and instructed them to provide immediate assistance to the victims.
"We are monitoring the rescue efforts and will provide support to the affected families," he said.
According to an official press release, up to 20 people were working in the firecracker unit when the blast occurred.
Naidu directed senior officials and ministers to visit the accident site.
