Gelatin Sticks Behind Deadly Blast in Sri Sathya Sai District, Say Police

A powerful explosion in Kummaravandlapalli village of Kadiri Rural mandal in Sri Sathya Sai district early Wednesday claimed four lives and left 29 others injured .

Police said the blast was triggered after a gas leak led to a fire inside a house where a large quantity of explosives, around 150 gelatin sticks and ammonium nitrate had been stored illegally. The heat caused a massive detonation, bringing the structure down instantly.

The house belonged to Venkatanna and Sampath, migrants from Telangana’s Nalgonda district, who were engaged in quarry blasting work.

As flames spread, family members escaped and raised an alarm. Unaware of the explosives, nearby workers and residents rushed in to help, but were caught in the explosion.

Madhusudan, Vishwanatha Reddy, Aslam Basha, and Mabunnisa died after being trapped under the debris .

The impact flattened the house and a neighbouring building, while several nearby houses were damaged. The blast, heard up to a kilometre away, triggered panic among residents.

The injured were first taken to Kadiri hospital and later shifted to Anantapur for better treatment.

Police have registered cases against the accused for illegally storing materials in a residential area, and further investigation is underway.