2 killed,5 seriously injured in blast in illegal cracker unit

Two people were killed and five others critically injured Monday in an explosion at an illegal fire crackers manufacturing unit in Gullipalle in Visakhapatnam district.

The five were members of the same family.

It was the second such explosion in the same unit.

In May 2012, three persons were burnt alive and two others were injured in an explosion at the unit.

Police said the explosion occurred at around 10.45 AM while the workers were preparing the firecrackers.

Under the impact of the blast, the tin roof of the shed, made with iron sheets, caved in, police said.

All the injured were admitted to the KG Hospital in Visakhapatnam, where two people succumbed to their injuries, police said.

Deputy Superintendent of Police, Anakapalle, S V D Prasada Rao said investigation revealed that the factory owner had obtained a license for the unit, which was valid up to 2013.

After expiry of the license, he applied for it again in his brother's name and it was pending with the various departments, Rao added.

The unit owner has been arrested and a case registered against him under Section 304 of the IPC (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and Section 3 and 5 of the Explosives Substances Act, the DSP said.