4 cops injured as police jeep carrying seized crackers bursts into flames in Krishna district

Vijayawada: A police vehicle transporting seized firecrackers caught fire at Challapalli in Krishna district, triggering panic in the area on Tuesday. The accident reportedly occurred while the policemen were shifting the confiscated crackers, seized during Diwali enforcement, to court custody.According to officials, the firecrackers suddenly exploded inside the vehicle, leading to a massive blaze that quickly engulfed the police jeep. The intensity of the explosion caused severe damage and left four personnel severely injured. The furniture in the police station was thrown haywire under the impact of the explosion. The flower pots on the premises were also thrown apart. The injured were identified as driver Nagaraju, court constable Abdullah, head constable Teja, and sub-inspector Durga Veeranjaneyulu. All of them sustained serious burns and were rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment. Their condition is reported to be critical.Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos as loud explosions were heard, followed by thick smoke billowing from the vehicle. Authorities suspect that improper handling or heat build-up may have triggered the explosion, though the exact cause is officially yet to be confirmed. An inquiry has been ordered into the incident to determine lapses, if any, in the transportation and handling of the seized explosive materials.