Overview
- The explosion struck the licensed Lakshmi Ganapathi/Sri Ganapathi Fire Works unit at V. Savaram in Rayavaram, Konaseema, during midday production for Diwali.
- Eight people are confirmed dead, including proprietor Veligubantla Satyanarayana Murthy, with post-mortems completed and bodies handed to families.
- Preliminary findings point to ignition during mechanical filling or a possible electrical short circuit, with mishandling also under examination.
- The government formed a two-member committee to determine cause and responsibility within a week, sent samples to the Vijayawada forensic lab, and police registered a case under explosives-related provisions.
- Authorities ordered temporary suspension of manufacturing for safety audits, including a three-day halt for licensed units in the district, as officials review recent inspections and reported prior warnings.