Vetlapalem (Andhra Pradesh), February 28 Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu announced an ex-gratia of Rs 20 lakh for the families of those who died in the explosion at a firecracker unit in Kakinada district.
He said that 20 people, including nine women, were killed and another nine were critically injured in the blast.
However, Tourism Minister Kandula Durgesh and senior officials had earlier stated that the death toll was 21.
The Chief Minister assured that the government would cover the medical expenses for the injured.
He also ordered the suspension of four senior officials from the Kakinada district for negligence in their duties.
The Chief Minister said that an inquiry would be conducted into the incident.