Coalition government stands firmly to support the families of fire cracker blast incident victims: CM

Amaravati: Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said that the coalition government will stand firmly to support the families of those who lost their lives in the fireworks explosion at Vetlapalem in Kakinada district. He described the death of 26 people in the incident as a tragic incident.
Speaking in Assembly session today, the Chief Minister informed that six injured persons are currently undergoing treatment in different hospitals. The Chief Minister said that the Suryashree Fire Works industry had been granted permission during the previous YSRCP government. He stated that the factory was manufacturing fireworks in violation of rules.

About 30 people were working in the factory and explosives were stored beyond permissible limits. Citing pending orders, the management allegedly produced fireworks on a large scale, which led to the accident. The Chief Minister said he was on a tour in Vizianagaram district at the time of the incident and rushed to the site immediately after receiving the information.

Police and fire services reached the spot within 30 minutes of the accident. A case has been registered against the factory owner and investigation is underway. The Chief Minister said he personally visited and consoled the bereaved families. The Central Government has announced Rs 2 lakh compensation and the State Government has declared Rs 20 lakh ex gratia for the families of the deceased. Houses will be constructed for those who do not have homes and the government will extend full support to all affected families.

Calling the incident a glaring example of gross negligence, the Chief Minister said certain officials have been identified and suspended. The Peddapuram RDO, Peddapuram DSP, District Fire Officer, and Labour Officers have been suspended.

The Chief Minister announced the formation of a committee comprising Municipal Administration Principal Secretary Suresh Kumar and IG Ramakrishna to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the incident.

He stated that the license was obtained under the name Suryashree Fire Works and that production should have been carried out strictly following safety norms. The government will take all necessary steps to prevent recurrence of such incidents in the future. He also said that the properties of the accused would be auctioned and the proceeds given to the affected families. The government will deal strictly with such negligent practices.
He further stated that strict action would also be taken in cases involving atrocities against women.

The Chief Minister criticized the opposition party, saying that despite being in opposition, it is not focusing on such public issues but instead engaging in political debates over the Tirupati Srivari Laddu Prasadam.

The Chief Minister expressed deep sorrow over the loss of so many lives in the fireworks explosion, noting that even a minor mistake in fireworks manufacturing can lead to catastrophic consequences. The Assembly then observed two minutes of silence in memory of the deceased.