Death Toll in Vetlapalem Cracker Unit Blast Rises to 26 in AP

Kakinada (Andhra Pradesh), Mar 4 (TNT):The death toll in the cracker factory blast at Vetlapalem in Kakinada district has risen to 26 after two more victims succumbed to severe burn injuries at the Government General Hospital (GGH) here on Wednesday, officials said.
The deceased have been identified as Chitti Kala Lakshmi (48) and Palli Pati Vera Srinu (45), both residents of Samalkot, they added.
The blast occurred on February 28 at a unit owned by the accused. His father, Adabala Srinivasa Rao, was among those burnt alive in the incident.
The State Government on Saturday announced the suspension of four officials allegedly responsible for the mishap and issued formal orders on Monday.
According to the order, BSM Valli, Deputy Commissioner of Labour, and K. Sri Ramani, Revenue Divisional Officer, have been placed under suspension for alleged dereliction of duty.
TNT TMR