Vetlapalem firecracker unit blast: Death toll increases to 23

Visakhapatnam: The death toll in the Vetlapalem firecracker unit blast has risen to 23 following the demise of V Lova Raju, who died while undergoing treatment at Kakinada GGH on Tuesday. Hospital superintendent Dr Lavanya Kumari said he was treated in the ICU due to the severity of his injuries and was placed on ventilator as his condition worsened. Twenty people were killed instantly at the site on Saturday afternoon, while one more victim, D Lova Raju, succumbed to injuries at midnight on Saturday, while D Rajesh passed away on Monday.Six injured victims continue to receive treatment at Kakinada GGH, of which two are in critical condition. According to hospital officials, apart from one patient who sustained 70 percent burns, others suffered burns exceeding 90 percent. Of the 30 people working at the manufacturing unit on Saturday, only one, Ch Samuel, escaped with minor injuries. The govt announced the suspension of four officers on Saturday and issued an official order on Monday. The order placed BSM Valli, deputy commissioner of labour, and K Sri Ramani, revenue divisional officer, under suspension for alleged dereliction of duty.