Five people were killed after explosive material misfired during road-widening work in Andhra Pradesh’s Alluri Sitharama Raju district on Saturday morning, police said.
The blast occurred at Pinakota village in Anantagiri mandal during rock blasting for road expansion.
“A special device equipped with gelatin sticks was used for the blasting of rocks for the road expansion works on the ghat road. However, the equipment misfired during the explosion,” the police said. Local revenue officials and police reached the spot and launched a rescue operation.
Also Read | 4 dead, more casualties feared after blast at firecracker factory in Bihar's Siwan
The explosion destroyed two vehicles. “The driver and three workers died in the accident. A teacher who was going in the opposite direction also lost his life,” a police officer said. Four of the deceased were identified as Sunitha, a teacher from Vishakhapatnam; Mani, a worker from Devarapalli; Narayanarao, a worker from Chidikada; and Pavan Kumar, a worker from Kadapa.
Andhra Pradesh home minister condoles deaths, directs officials to provide assistance to injured
Andhra Pradesh home minister Vangalapudi Anitha expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. Anitha spoke to the Alluri district collector and and Superintendent of Police (SP) to enquire about the incident.
{{/usCountry}}Andhra Pradesh home minister Vangalapudi Anitha expressed deep sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. Anitha spoke to the Alluri district collector and and Superintendent of Police (SP) to enquire about the incident.
{{/usCountry}}The state home minister described the incident as “extremely tragic”, and directed officials to ensure the best possible medical treatment and assistance to those injured in the accident. The home minister assured affected families that the state government would stand by them and extend the necessary support.