Tragedy struck the city of Eluru during Diwali festivities when a massive explosion occurred, killing one person and seriously injuring six others, as reported by the police. The accident happened while firecrackers were being transported on a two-wheeler near the Gauri Devi Temple on East Street, leading to a scene of devastation.
The explosion was so powerful that it mutilated the body of Sudhakar, one of the two people riding the scooter, with fragments of his remains reportedly landing as far as 100 meters away on neighbouring houses. The other individual on the bike suffered severe injuries and was taken to the Eluru Government Hospital, along with five bystanders who were standing nearby. One of the injured remains in critical condition.
The blast also caused substantial property damage: windows in nearby houses shattered, and several parked vehicles sustained damage due to the impact. The sound of the explosion, along with rising smoke, left locals disoriented, some mistaking the blast for an earthquake or structural collapse.
Police expressed concerns over the unusual strength of the blast, suspecting that the gunny bag used to carry the firecrackers might have contained more than just standard festive explosives. Authorities have called in a team of experts to investigate the contents of the bag, examining whether it included more powerful materials, like gelatine sticks typically used in mining.
In response to the tragic accident, Andhra Pradesh Information and Public Relations Minister Parthasarathy extended his condolences and urged the public to exercise caution. The Minister has also directed the police to increase vigilance over the transportation of firecrackers to help prevent further incidents.