Blast at firecracker unit in Kakinada district kills 20 workers
An explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit at Vetlapalem village in Kakinada district, Andhra Pradesh, on the afternoon of 28 February 2026 killed 20 workers on the spot.
Summary
An explosion at the Sri Surya firecracker manufacturing unit at Vetlapalem village in Samarlakota mandal, Kakinada district, Andhra Pradesh, on the afternoon of 28 February 2026 killed 20 workers on the spot, including nine women, according to The Hindu and PTI. Fire officials suspected the storage of a large quantity of explosive material in a confined space. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from the PM's National Relief Fund for the next of kin of each person killed and ₹50,000 for the injured, and a probe was ordered. The death toll later rose to 28, according to The Hindu, The Times of India and PTI.
Key facts
- Date and place
- 28 February 2026, Vetlapalem, Samarlakota mandal, Kakinada district
- Unit
- Sri Surya firecracker unit
- Toll
- 20 on the spot; later 28 (The Hindu, TOI, PTI)
- Ex-gratia (PMNRF)
- ₹2 lakh per deceased; ₹50,000 per injured
- Probe
- Ordered; owners later arrested
Practice MCQs 1 questions
The firecracker unit blast of 28 February 2026 that killed 20 workers on the spot took place in which district of Andhra Pradesh?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Kakinada
The blast took place at Vetlapalem village in Kakinada district.