Two arrested in Kakinada fireworks blast that killed 27

Police have arrested two persons in connection with the February 28 explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Vetlapalem village of Kakinada district that claimed 27 lives.

According to the police, the owners of Surya Sri Fireworks had allegedly stored a large quantity of explosive materials and engaged about 30 workers at their manufacturing complex to meet a supply deadline set for March 3.

The powerful blast at the unit left 19 workers, including the owner’s father, charred to death at the spot. Of the 11 persons who initially survived the explosion, eight later died while undergoing treatment in various hospitals. Two others remain on ventilator support, while only one survivor has been discharged.

Addressing the media on Thursday, Kakinada Superintendent of Police G. Bindu Madhav said the accused — Adabala Srinivasa Rao (55) and his sons Arjun and Veerababu — had intensified firecracker production to fulfil an order placed by the Singaramma temple of Mallisala village.

Srinivasa Rao died in the blast, while his sons Arjun and Veerababu were arrested on Thursday.

Police said Arjun held an LE-1 licence, which permits the manufacture of firecrackers and is valid until March 31. Veerababu holds an LE-5 licence that authorises the sale of firecrackers. Srinivasa Rao had earlier experience operating firecracker units.

Mr. Bindu Madhav said the explosion occurred due to the alleged mishandling of explosive materials during manufacturing. However, the forensic report on the exact cause of the blast is yet to be released.

The two accused were produced before a local court on Thursday. A case has been registered against them under the Explosives Substances Act, 1884, at Samarlakota police station.