13 workers die in blast at Warangal fireworks factory

HYDERABAD: Thirteen workers were killed and several more received grievous burns in a massive explosion at a fireworks factory in the Kashibugga area on the outskirts of Telangana’s Warangal city on Wednesday.

The explosion took place at around noon in the warehouse of Sri Bhadrakali Fire Works, where more than 25 workers were engaged in packaging firecrackers.

As many as 13 bodies were recovered from the factory, of which nine have been identified; four were charred beyond recognition. The toll is expected to increase.

The reason for the explosion was not known. The impact of the explosion was so strong that the entire roof of the factory was blown away, the structure razed to the ground and reduced to ashes.

The surrounding sheds were also burnt. Residents living nearby reported that the walls of their houses developed cracks.

The injured were rushed to the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital. Four fire engines were sent to the spot.

As firecrackers in the factory continued to burst and smoke kept billowing in the entire area, the rescue operations proved to be difficult. Senior police officials as well as officials in the district administration were supervising the rescue operations.

Telangana chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao announced an ex gratia payment of ₹5 lakh to the families of the victims and assured them all possible help.