State Committee Probes Fatal Firecracker Explosion in Savaram Village

In a tragic incident that shook Savaram village in Rayavaram mandal, Ambedkar Konaseema district, a devastating firecracker explosion on October 8 claimed 10 lives, with six victims burnt alive. A two-member committee, appointed by the State government, conducted an in-depth inspection of the blast site on Friday to uncover the circumstances leading to this catastrophic event.

The panel, comprising N Suresh Kumar, Principal Secretary of Municipal Administration, and EAGLE IG RK Ravi Krishna, visited the site at Ganapathi Grand Fireworks, where the explosion occurred. They also inspected the nearby Sri Bhavani Grand Fireworks to assess safety protocols and operational standards in the area. The officials engaged with survivors, including Kanchipatti Haima from Rayavaram village and Reddy Vijayalakshmi from Ramachandrapuram, to gather firsthand accounts of the incident. These testimonies are expected to provide critical insights into the moments leading up to the disaster.

According to N Suresh Kumar, the committee reviewed preliminary investigation reports compiled by local authorities immediately following the explosion. These reports confirmed that a joint inspection, conducted prior to the incident, had verified compliance with safety standards. The facility had also secured necessary licenses and a "No Objection Certificate" (NOC) in September. However, the panel raised significant concerns about whether all safety regulations were strictly adhered to during the manufacturing process. Questions remain about potential lapses in protocol that may have contributed to the tragedy.

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The committee is still awaiting the forensic report, which is expected to shed further light on the cause of the explosion. Early indications suggest that the blast may have been triggered by mishandling of volatile materials or inadequate safety measures, though definitive conclusions will depend on the forensic findings.

Local residents and families of the victims are demanding answers, expressing frustration over the loss of lives in what they believe was a preventable disaster. The committee’s investigation is under intense scrutiny, as its findings could lead to stricter regulations for firecracker manufacturing units across the state.

The panel’s report is expected to be submitted to the State government soon, with recommendations for preventing similar incidents in the future. For now, the focus remains on supporting the affected families and ensuring accountability for the tragedy that has left Savaram village in mourning.

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