Vetlapalem firecracker unit blast: Death toll rises to 22

Visakhapatnam: The death toll in the Vetlapalem firecracker unit blast has risen to 22 following the demise of Darsipati Rajesh. While 20 people were killed instantly at the site on Saturday afternoon, one more victim, D Lova Raju, succumbed to injuries at midnight on Saturday, and Rajesh passed away on Sunday midnight. Incidentally, both Rajesh and Lova Raju were close relatives. Locals reported that the two had been working in firecracker manufacturing units for several years.On Monday, a severed and mutilated head was discovered in nearby paddy fields. As several victims were cremated without complete bodies—missing hands, legs, or other parts due to the severe impact of the blast—police are now working to identify to whom the head belongs. When TOI spoke to relatives of the deceased from various villages in Samarlakota mandal on Sunday, they expressed deep anguish over performing final rites with incomplete remains. The head is believed to be that of S. Raghava, a 50-year-old woman. Meanwhile, seven injured victims continue to receive treatment at the Government General Hospital (GGH), Kakinada. Of them, two are in critical condition. According to hospital officials, apart from one patient who sustained 70 per cent burns, the others suffered burns exceeding 90 per cent. Of the 30 people working at the manufacturing unit on Saturday, only one, Ch. Samuel, escaped with minor injuries. While stepping aside to drink water, Samuel noticed the flames and ran into the paddy fields to save himself. The state government announced the suspension of four officers allegedly responsible for the mishap immediately on Saturday and released 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.