Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh), Feb 28 (TNT) : Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on Saturday night ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the firecracker unit explosion at Vetlapalem village in Kakinada district that left 21 persons dead, including nine women.
He also ordered the immediate suspension of the Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO), Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), District Labour Officer and Fire Officer concerned.
The Chief Minister, who was attending a pension distribution programme at Cheepurupalli in Vizianagaram district, rushed to Samalkot after receiving information about the blast.
He inspected the mishap site and later visited the local hospital and the Government General Hospital (GGH) in Kakinada to meet the injured.
Addressing the media, Naidu said out of 31 others injured in the incident, nine were in critical condition.
He noted that the victims largely belonged to economically weaker sections and were working in the unit for their livelihood.
Stating that the government was treating the incident with utmost seriousness, the Chief Minister ordered an inquiry and said strict action would be taken against those found responsible.
He said the accused would be arrested and their properties seized if violations were established.
Announcing financial assistance, he said the State government would provide an ex-gratia of Rs 20 lakh each to the families of the deceased, in addition to the Rs 2 lakh announced by the Centre.
Free medical treatment would be provided to the injured and the government would take responsibility for the education of the victims’ children, he added.
Preliminary reports indicated that the firecracker manufacturing unit had allegedly violated safety norms, he said.
Further investigation is underway.
TNT KM
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