Firecrackers blast kills five in Andhra

HYDERABAD - Five people were killed and six injured when firecrackers being manufactured illegally in a house in Andhra Pradesh’s West Godavari district exploded Tuesday, police said. A probe has been ordered.

So powerful was the blast in Peddaellamelli village of Unguturu mandal that three houses were damaged. The incident set off panic in the entire area.

Local people told police that fire broke out in the house where firecrackers were being manufactured illegally. It was followed by blasts and the flames engulfed the neighbouring houses.

An eight-year-old boy was among those killed. Police said the bodies had not yet been identified as some of them have been charred beyond recognition. The toll might go up as the work to clear the debris is on.

District Superintendent of Police Ravi Verma said some people were reported missing. “The death toll will be known only after all the debris is cleared,” he said.

The injured were shifted to a hospital at Tadepalligudem.

After a visit to the scene of the accident, District Collector Vani Prasad ordered a probe.