According to police reports, six people were charred to death on the spot during the massive blast, while two others later died while receiving treatment at the hospital. The deceased have been identified as factory owner Velugubantla Sattibabu (65) of Komaripalem in Bikkavolu mandal, Chitturi Shyamala (38) of Savaram in Anaparthi mandal, Kudipudi Jyothi (38), Penke Shesha Ratnam, K. Sadanand (48) from Odisha, and Paka Aruna of Someswaram. Potnuri Venkataramana (56) died in the hospital on Wednesday night, followed by another victim on Thursday morning.
Preliminary investigations suggest that sparks from a machine used for mixing chemicals might have triggered the fire. The flames quickly spread to nearby piles of finished fireworks and large “tarajuvvala” (flower pot crackers), causing multiple explosions. Officials are also examining the possibility of a short circuit being the cause.
Though the factory management claimed that safety measures were in place, officials believe that overproduction and the employment of untrained workers led to the disaster. The massive blast rattled nearby villages, with thick plumes of smoke visible from several kilometers away.
Police and fire officials are continuing their investigation into whether the unit was following safety norms and whether the quantity of explosive material stored exceeded permissible limits. The incident has once again raised serious questions about safety practices in fireworks manufacturing units across the region.
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