Kakinada( Andhra Pradesh), Mar 1 (TNT) : Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan has said blatant violations of safety norms by the management led to the deadly explosion at a fireworks manufacturing unit in Vetlapalem, near Samarlakota mandal in the district.
Addressing the media after visiting the injured at Kakinada Government General Hospital (GGH) here last night, Pawan Kalyan said 20 people were killed and nine others injured in the incident, terming it “extremely tragic.”
The Deputy Chief Minister said the unit had permission to deploy only eight workers but was operating with 31 at the time of the blast.
He noted that additional workers were reportedly engaged due to increased demand during fairs and festivals, in violation of the approved limits.
“Managements are failing to comply with safety regulations despite obtaining permissions. They must be held accountable for such incidents,” he said, adding that the government would tighten norms to prevent recurrence of such tragedies.
Pawan Kalyan said he had discussed the matter with Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu prior to his visit, including measures to strengthen regulatory enforcement.
Announcing relief measures, he said an ex gratia of ₹20 lakh would be provided to the families of each of the deceased, and the state government would bear the full cost of medical treatment for the injured.
He conveyed his deep condolences to the bereaved families.
Several ministers and public representatives accompanied the Deputy Chief Minister during the hospital visit.
TNT KM
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