PM Modi Expresses Grief Over Andhra Factory Fire; Announces Ex-Gratia For Deceased

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday expressed deep sorrow over the deadly firecracker factory blast in Andhra Pradesh’s Anakapalli district. He announced ex-gratia for the families of the deceased.

“Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in a factory mishap in the Anakapalli district of Andhra Pradesh. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon,” the PM said in a post shared by the PM’s Office on X.

PM Modi added that the next of kin of each deceased would receive ₹2 lakh from the PMNRF. The injured will get ₹50,000 each.

The explosion occurred at a fireworks manufacturing unit in Kailasapatnam village, Kotavuratla Mandal.

At least eight people, including two women, died in the blast. Fourteen workers were present at the time.

The unit was destroyed in the fire that followed the explosion.

Eight workers died on the spot. Their bodies were shattered, and some were charred beyond recognition. Six others are undergoing treatment.

The deceased have been identified as Appikonda Tatababu, S Govind, Devara Nirmala, P Papa, G Venubabu, D Ramalaxmi, Hemanth, and S Baburao.

Five victims were local residents; others had migrated from nearby villages.

The blast occurred around 12:45 PM, according to Anakapalli police. Firefighters battled flames for hours before controlling the fire.

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu expressed grief and ordered better treatment for the injured. He also called for a thorough investigation into the cause of the explosion.

State Home Minister V Anitha is, however, overseeing rescue and relief operations on the Chief Minister’s direction.

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