Violation of Norms Led to Vetlapalem Blast: Deputy CM

Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan stated that safety lapses and violations of regulations by the management were the primary causes of the devastating explosion at a fireworks manufacturing unit in Vetlapalem of Samarlakota mandal.

Visiting the Government General Hospital (GGH) in Kakinada on Saturday night, he met the injured victims undergoing treatment following the powerful blast. He enquired about the medical facilities being provided and conveyed his deep condolences to the families of the deceased.

Speaking to the media later, Pawan Kalyan described the death of 21 persons in the accident as extremely tragic. He said the management committed a serious violation by employing 31 workers despite permission for only eight , calling it a grave lapse. He expressed anger that, driven by profit motives during the festival and fair season, workers were engaged beyond the permitted limit, resulting in a massive loss of lives.

He further stated that he had already discussed the incident with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu. To prevent recurrence of such incidents, the government would tighten regulations on fireworks units . He directed officials to take strict action against managements violating safety standards and announced that new guidelines would be framed to ensure continuous monitoring of such units.

Home Minister Vangalapudi Anitha, Ministers Ponguru Narayana and Kandula Durgesh, MP Tangella Uday Srinivas, local MLA Pantham Nanaji, District Collector Shan Mohan Sagili, SP Bindu Madhav and others were present during the visit.