Vetlapalem Factory Blast Leaves 22 Dead

The toll in the devastating explosion at a licensed firecracker manufacturing facility in Kakinada district has risen to 22 , after another injured worker succumbed to injuries on Sunday night.

The blast, which occurred on February 28 at a unit in Vetlapalem village , had initially claimed 21 lives, including nine women. The latest casualty had been undergoing treatment in hospital since the day of the incident and breathed his last around 9 p.m., officials said. The updated toll was officially confirmed by the District Medical and Health Officer.

The explosion triggered a massive fire that reduced the factory to debris and left several workers critically injured . Nine injured workers were rushed to nearby hospitals for emergency care. Doctors said four to five victims remain in critical condition , while authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the tragedy.