The owners of Surya Sri Fireworks (SSF) had stored a huge quantity of explosive materials, and had employed 30 workers at their firecracker manufacturing complex in Vetlapalem village, Kakinada district in order to meet the supply deadline set for March 3. The blast, which occurred in the SSF complex on February 28, killed 27 people— of whom 19 workers, including the owners’ father, were burnt alive. 

Of the 11 survivors, eight have died while undergoing treatment at various hospital since February 28, and two are still on ventilator support. Only one survivor has been discharged from the hospital.

Speaking to newsmen at a press conference on Thursday, Kakinada Superintendent of Police G. Bindu Madhav said; “The three accused Adabala Srinivasa Rao (55) and his sons, Arjun and Veerababu, stored a huge quantity of explosive materials and engaged 30 workers to supply crackers to a temple by March 3. The firecracker order had been placed by the management of the Singaramma deity temple of Mallisala village in Kakinada district”. Mr. Srinivasa Rao was burnt alive in the blast. 

The arrest of Arjun and Veerababu was confirmed on Thursday. The prime accused Mr. Arjun holds an LE-1 licence that is set to expire on March 31. It authorises him to manufacture firecrackers. Mr. Veerababu holds an LE-5 licence, which permits the sale of firecrackers. Their father, Mr. Srinivasa Rao, had experience operating firecracker units. 

“The accused intensified production to meet their order on hand as the licence was to expire on March 31. The blast occurred due to ‘mishandling of explosive materials in the manufacturing complex on February 28”, said Mr. Bindu Madhav. However, the forensic report is yet to be released. 

The two accused were produced before a local court on Thursday. A case has been filed against them under the Explosives Substance Act 1884, under the Samarlakota police limits.