2026 Andhra Pradesh fireworks explosion
| Date | 28 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Time | c. 2:00 p.m. IST (GMT+5:30) |
| Location | Surya Sri Fireworks Centre, Vetlapalem, Kakinada district, Andhra Pradesh, India |
| Coordinates | 17°02′N 82°08′E / 17.03°N 82.14°E |
| Type | Fireworks disaster |
| Deaths | 21[1] |
| Non-fatal injuries | 10 |
On 28 February 2026, at around 1.30–2:00 pm local time, an explosion occurred at the Surya Sri Fireworks factory in the Vetlapalem village, Kakinada district, Andhra Pradesh.[2]
Background
Vetlapalem is a fireworks manufacturing hub in Andhra Pradesh. It is often called as the "Sivakasi of Andhra". The village is famous for its customised firecrackers specially crafted for local festivals, goddess fairs, and other local events. There were several such minor accidents happened in the past including one in 2019 that killed five women.[3]
Incident
The incident happened at the Surya Sri Fireworks factory that is located beside the Godavari canal in the Vetlapalem village, Samarlakota mandal, Kakinada district, Andhra Pradesh.[4] 10–15 people work every day at this center. However, with the huge order for the jathara in the nearby Mallisala village, Jaggampeta mandal and the number of weddings, the demand for fireworks has increased. With this, more than 60 workers were employed. Moreover, the ammunition prepared is also stored in the warehouse here. At 1 pm local time, everyone came out for lunch. After finishing their lunch at 1.30 pm, 30–40 of the workers went back to the four sheds and got busy with work.[5] During this time, the explosion occurred and 20 workers were immediately burned alive and killed, with one death report after the midnight. 10 others were seriously injured. The permission was originally given to employ only 8, but has 31 engaged in the work.[6]
See also
References
- ^ "21 killed in Firecracker manufacturing unit explosion in Samarlakota". All India Radio. 28 February 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
- ^ "Tragedy in Kakinada: 21 killed as massive explosion rips through Andhra Pradesh fireworks factory". The Indian Express. 28 February 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
- ^ "Tragedy in Kakinada: 21 killed as massive explosion rips through Andhra Pradesh fireworks factory". The Indian Express. 28 February 2026. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
- ^ Bandari, Pavan (28 February 2026). "18 killed in explosion at fireworks factory in Vetlapalem, CM Naidu express shock". www.thehansindia.com. Retrieved 1 March 2026.
- ^ "భారీ విస్ఫోటనం.. మాటలకందని విషాదం | Massive explosion in Kakinada vetlapalem 20 workers dies many seriously injured | Sakshi". www.sakshi.com (in Telugu). Retrieved 1 March 2026.
- ^ "Andhra cracker blast horror in Vetlapalem: Toll climbs to 21". The Economic Times. 1 March 2026. ISSN 0013-0389. Retrieved 1 March 2026.