Rajamahendravaram: Huge explosion in fireworks godown

Rajamahendravaram: Firecrackers stored in bulk in a warehouse at Tossipudi of Biccavolu mandal in East Godavari district exploded on Tuesday.

Due to the explosion and loud noise, three surrounding villages panicked as they mistook it for an earthquake. With this explosion, property worth more than Rs 60 lakh was damaged. The explosion took place when a large number of fireworks stored illegally in a warehouse between a petrol bunk and a rice mill caught fire. The rice mill wall collapsed due to the explosion. Bricks flew 50 meters away. The explosion also reached the petrol bunk. The windows and door glasses were broken there.

Locals said that debris also fell on two other rice mills nearby and they also suffered minor damage. Stones and bricks were also thrown in the fields near the godowns. An agricultural labourer working was injured.

A fire engine from Anaparthi Fire Station was engaged for the Chief Minister’s visit. So another fire engine arrived from Ramachandrapuram fire station. Fire fighters worked for more than an hour to bring the fire under control. The fire department officials have come to the preliminary conclusion that the cause of this accident may be the chemical changes that occurred in the stored firecrackers. Full details are not yet known.