Vizag Firecracker Blast Death Toll Climbs to 22 as Another Victim Succumbs
The tragic firecracker unit explosion in Vetlapalem, Visakhapatnam, has now claimed 22 lives following the demise of Darsipati Rajesh on Sunday midnight. This devastating incident, which occurred on Saturday afternoon, initially killed 20 people instantly at the site.
Chronology of Fatalities and Critical Injuries
In addition to the immediate casualties, one victim, D Lova Raju, succumbed to injuries at midnight on Saturday. Rajesh's death marks the latest fatality, bringing the total to 22. Both Rajesh and Lova Raju were close relatives who had been working in firecracker manufacturing units for several years, according to local reports.
Meanwhile, seven injured victims continue to receive treatment at the Government General Hospital (GGH) in Kakinada. Two of these patients remain in critical condition. Hospital officials revealed that apart from one patient with 70% burns, the others suffered burns exceeding 90%.
Grisly Discovery Complicates Identification Process
On Monday, authorities made a disturbing discovery when a severed and mutilated head was found in nearby paddy fields. This finding has complicated identification efforts as several victims were cremated without complete bodies—missing hands, legs, or other parts due to the blast's severe impact.
Police are now working to determine to whom the head belongs, with preliminary indications suggesting it might be that of S. Raghava, a 50-year-old woman. When TOI spoke to relatives of the deceased from various villages in Samarlakota mandal on Sunday, they expressed profound anguish over performing final rites with incomplete remains.
Lone Survivor's Harrowing Escape
Of the 30 people working at the manufacturing unit on Saturday, only one individual, Ch. Samuel, escaped with minor injuries. Samuel's survival came when he stepped aside to drink water, noticed the flames, and ran into the paddy fields to save himself.
Government Response and Suspensions
The state government has taken disciplinary action following the tragedy. Four officers have been suspended for alleged dereliction of duty. An official order released on Monday placed BSM Valli, deputy commissioner of labour, and K Sri Ramani, revenue divisional officer, under suspension. The government announced these suspensions immediately on Saturday following the incident.
This industrial tragedy highlights serious safety concerns in firecracker manufacturing units and has left families grappling with both loss and the trauma of incomplete remains during final rites.
