"At least 21 workers were killed and several others injured after a massive explosion ripped through the Suryashri Fireworks manufacturing unit on Saturday in the Indian port city of Kakinada. Police have cordoned off the factory premises in Vetlapalem village as officials investigate the cause of the blast. Footage from Sunday shows the magnitude of the explosion, with multiple structures damaged and debris scattered across the site. Smoke continues to rise from burning grass in the aftermath. According to initial reports, the blast occurred while workers were preparing firecrackers, resulting in a sudden, powerful explosion. Villagers said the intensity of the blast was so severe that some bodies were flung into nearby agricultural fields. Around 70 workers were present at the unit at the time. The impact also damaged houses in the vicinity. Several others sustained injuries, and officials fear the death toll could rise. Fire and rescue teams rushed to the site and launched relief operations. A local politician questioned the government’s handling of the situation, pointing to a pattern of deadly incidents. “Before issuing licences, there must be thorough scrutiny, and the government must act quickly to ensure safety procedures,” Bukta Bangaru Raju said. “When workers are employed at such sites, the Labour Inspectorate should step in to protect their rights. Accidents can happen in factories, but when so many people die at the same time, it shows a serious failure," he added. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an ex gratia payment of ₹200,000 ($2,195.8) for the next of kin of each victim, while the chief minister of Andhra Pradesh announced ₹2 million ($21,958.75) in compensation. Four officials have also been suspended. Authorities said the bodies would be handed over to families after DNA tests are completed. Hospital authorities reported that several survivors sustained burns ranging from 90 to 100 percent. Nine injured workers are undergoing treatment at Kakinada government hospital and private facilities, while two remain untraced. Officials suspect the accident may have been triggered by over-pressurisation during the filling of firecracker materials, with large stocks stored inside the unit, making the blast catastrophic."