Andhra Pradesh: In a series of devastating accidents linked to Diwali celebrations, three people lost their lives and multiple others sustained injuries in Andhra Pradesh over the festive week. These incidents highlight the dangers associated with firecracker use, especially when safety precautions are overlooked.
In Eluru, a bag of firecrackers exploded on Durgasi Sudhakar’s motorbike on Thursday night, killing him instantly. Sudhakar had been transporting the fireworks, known locally as “onion bombs,” with his friend Tabeti Sai, who sustained injuries in the blast. The explosion reportedly occurred when the bike hit a speed bump, causing the firecrackers to fall and detonate on impact. The blast’s intensity injured bystanders on Thuru Veedhi street. Authorities quickly transported the injured to Eluru Government General Hospital, where they are currently receiving treatment. Andhra Pradesh’s Information and Public Relations Minister Kolusu Parthasarathy visited Sudhakar’s family and announced ex gratia relief, including financial compensation and a job offer to the deceased’s wife.
On Wednesday night, lightning struck a firecracker manufacturing unit in East Godavari district, igniting raw materials and triggering a fatal explosion. The explosion claimed the lives of two women, Vegirowthu Srivalli and Gummadi Suneetha, who were working on-site, while five others suffered severe injuries. These injured workers, who were also at the manufacturing unit when lightning struck, are now in critical condition at Tanuku Government Hospital.
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Additionally, Telangana hospitals reported a spike in eye injuries during Diwali, with around 50 cases reported at Sarojini Devi Eye Hospital in Hyderabad. The hospital treated 35 children for eye injuries, with several needing surgical intervention due to the severity of their wounds.
These incidents underline the importance of heightened safety measures during the festive season to prevent such tragedies. Local authorities continue to investigate both cases and urge the public to handle fireworks responsibly, particularly in dense or high-risk areas.
