A massive explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Vetlapalem, Samarlakota Mandal of Kakinada district, has sent shockwaves across the nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his deep sorrow over the tragic incident, which has claimed the lives of 21 people so far. The Prime Minister conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the swift recovery of those injured in the blast.
To support the victims, the Prime Minister announced financial assistance from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF). An ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh will be provided to the next of kin of each deceased person, while those injured in the explosion will receive ₹50,000 each for their medical treatment. “The news of the Vetlapalem blast has deeply pained me,” the PM stated, emphasizing that the central government stands with the affected families during this hour of grief.
Chief Minister Nara Chandrababu Naidu rushed to the accident site to personally supervise the situation. After inspecting the trail of destruction, the CM held a review meeting with officials to investigate potential safety violations and the exact cause of the blast. He directed medical authorities at Kakinada GGH to provide the best possible treatment to the 9 critically injured survivors. With bodies charred beyond recognition and the death toll rising, the state government is considering stringent action against those responsible for the lack of safety standards at the facility.
