Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu expressed deep anguish over the tragic fireworks factory explosion in Vetalapalem, which claimed 21 lives and left nine others in critical condition. He announced compensation of Rs. 20 lakh for the families of the deceased and confirmed the suspension of four officials for negligence in managing the operations. The CM also warned that the properties of those found responsible would be seized and strict action, including life imprisonment, would be taken against them.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed sorrow over the incident, describing the accidental explosion as deeply tragic. He prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and announced ex-gratia payments of Rs. 2 lakh for the families of the deceased and Rs. 50,000 for the injured.
వేట్లపాలెంలో బాణసంచా ప్రమాద బాధిత కుటుంబాలను సామర్లకోట ఆసుపత్రి వద్ద పరామర్శించిన ముఖ్యమంత్రి. శోకసంద్రంలో ఉన్న మృతుల కుటుంబాలను పరామర్శించిన సీఎం చంద్రబాబు గారు. బాధిత కుటుంబాలను ఓదార్చి ధైర్యం చెప్పిన ముఖ్యమంత్రి. pic.twitter.com/KyORTXJQm1
— D S G RAJU #YuvaGalam #iTDP (@DSGRAJU1) February 28, 2026
The scene at the site of the explosion was chaotic, with families desperately searching for their loved ones. Witnesses reported seeing two daughters crying for their missing mother, Nukkala Devi, leaving onlookers in tears. Most of the victims were women workers, adding to the collective grief and shock in the community.
Authorities confirmed that the fireworks unit held a valid license until March 31 this year. Investigations are ongoing to determine whether safety regulations and operational guidelines were followed, raising serious questions about enforcement of industrial safety norms in the sector.