PM Modi announces ex-gratia for factory explosion victims in Andhra Pradesh’s Kakinada

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday expressed deep grief over the deadly explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Andhra Pradesh’s Kakinada district and announced financial assistance for the victims from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund (PMNRF).

In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “Pained by the loss of lives in the explosion at a factory in Kakinada district of Andhra Pradesh. I extend my condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon.” He announced an ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased and ₹50,000 for those injured.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also conveyed his condolences. He said, “The tragic fire accident at the Banasancha Ordnance Factory in Andhra Pradesh has caused profound shock due to the loss of lives. Rescue operations are ongoing at the incident site. The injured are receiving better medical assistance. I convey my heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this incident and pray for the quick recovery of the injured. Deeply saddened by the tragic fire accident at a cracker factory in Andhra Pradesh. Rescue and relief operations are underway, and medical care is being provided to the injured. My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and prayers for the swift recovery of those affected.”

Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu visited the injured at the Government General Hospital (GGH) and announced an ex-gratia of ₹20 lakh for the families of each deceased victim. He described the incident as “deeply tragic” and assured full government support to the affected families.

“So far, 20 people have died, while nine remain in critical condition and two are out of danger. Many of the victims were daily wage workers who had gone to earn their livelihood,” the Chief Minister said.

Expressing serious concern over alleged negligence, Naidu announced the suspension of four officials, including the RDO, DSP, District Labour Officer and Fire Officer. He said a detailed inquiry would be conducted to fix responsibility and warned of strict action against those found guilty.

The Chief Minister further announced that children of the deceased would be provided education in residential schools and that houses would be built for families without homes. He also said that stricter norms would be implemented for firecracker units, including installation of CCTV cameras linked to control rooms and a comprehensive survey of such factories across the state.

Andhra Pradesh Minister for Education and IT Nara Lokesh expressed shock over the tragedy and assured better medical care for the injured. “The coalition government will stand by the families of the deceased,” he said.

District Collector Sagili Shan Mohan earlier confirmed that around 20 workers were present at the Surya Fire Works unit when the explosion occurred.