Overview
- In Andhra Pradesh’s Vetlapalem, an explosion at Surya/Suryashri Fireworks killed about 20–21 workers and left several others critically injured.
- Preliminary police assessment in Kakinada points to a spark igniting a chemical drum, with drones used to recover remains scattered across paddy fields.
- Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu suspended four district officials and announced Rs 20 lakh compensation per deceased, with medical care and housing support for affected families.
- In Maharashtra’s Raulgaon near Nagpur, a morning blast at SBL Energy’s detonator packing unit killed at least 17 people and injured about 18, with NDRF, SDRF, PESO and DISS teams on site.
- Nagpur Rural police registered a case and arrested nine company directors after PESO and DISS flagged safety shortcomings, with DNA identification and formal probes continuing; PM Narendra Modi and CM Devendra Fadnavis announced ex gratia relief.