Twenty-one people were killed and eight critically injured in a massive explosion at the Surya Sri Fireworks factory in Vetlapalem village, Kakinada district, Andhra Pradesh on February 28, 2026. The explosion occurred around 1:30-2:00 PM and was heard up to five kilometres away. The blast was so intense that bodies were flung into nearby paddy fields. Vetlapalem is a fireworks manufacturing hub, often called the 'Sivakasi of Andhra'. Seven patients were admitted with 90-100% burn injuries. Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced compensation for the victims' families and ordered a probe into the incident. The tragedy raised questions about safety regulations in India's fireworks industry.
21 Killed in Massive Explosion at Fireworks Factory in Vetlapalem, Kakinada District, Andhra Pradesh
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21 dead, 8 critically injured in fireworks factory explosion in Vetlapalem (Sivakasi of Andhra), Kakinada district, AP; CM Naidu ordered probe.
Key facts
- Twenty-one people were killed and eight critically injured in a massive explosion at the Surya Sri Fireworks factory in Vetlapalem village, Kakinada district, Andhra Pradesh on February 28, 2026.
- The explosion occurred around 1:30-2:00 PM and was heard up to five kilometres away.
- Vetlapalem is a fireworks manufacturing hub, often called the Sivakasi of Andhra.
- Seven patients were admitted with 90-100% burn injuries.
- Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu announced compensation for victims' families and ordered a probe into the incident.
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The 1946 Royal Indian Navy Revolt started aboard which ship?
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The RIN Revolt began aboard HMIS Talwar in Bombay on February 18, 1946.
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Frequently asked questions
When and where did the fireworks factory explosion occur in February 2026?
**Twenty-one people were killed** and eight critically injured in a massive explosion at the **Surya Sri Fireworks factory in Vetlapalem village, Kakinada district, Andhra Pradesh** on **February 28, 2026**, around 1:30-2:00 PM. The blast was heard up to five kilometres away.
What is Vetlapalem and why is it known for fireworks?
**Vetlapalem** is a village in **Kakinada district, Andhra Pradesh** and part of the **fireworks manufacturing hub** of East Godavari region. The area is known for its cluster of fireworks factories, similar to Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu, supplying crackers nationwide.
How serious was the Vetlapalem fireworks factory explosion in 2026?
The explosion was catastrophic — **21 killed, 8 critically injured**. It was so intense that **bodies were flung into nearby paddy fields**. The blast was heard **5 km away**. The incident highlighted recurring safety violations in India's unregulated fireworks manufacturing sector.
What are the common safety issues at fireworks factories in India?
Common safety issues include: **improper storage of explosive chemicals**; **overcrowding** of workers; **lack of safety gear**; **inadequate fire suppression systems**; and **violations of Explosives Act** provisions. Sivakasi and coastal Andhra Pradesh have seen multiple similar tragedies.
Which state is Kakinada district located in?
**Kakinada district** is located in **Andhra Pradesh** (specifically in the East Godavari region of coastal AP). Kakinada is known for its port, fertiliser plants, and coastal industries, while its surrounding areas like Vetlapalem have fireworks manufacturing clusters.
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