Three people, including two women, were killed and at least 15 others sustained injuries in a firecracker explosion in Vizianagaram district on Tuesday evening, that also led to the collapse of three thatched houses, said the police.
The incident occurred between 5 pm and 5.30 pm, when firecrackers stored in a house in Paradi village of Bobbili mandal accidentally exploded when they were being transported, resulting in the instant death of two people. Sixteen others suffered injuries, they said, adding that another injured woman succumbed to her injuries later.
Preliminary information has revealed that firecrackers were illegally manufactured there and the mishap also resulted in the collapse of three hatched houses, a senior police officer told PTI.
Two of the deceased have been identified as B Eswaramma, 20, and N Chinna, 30, the police officer said, adding that the injured have been rushed to the Bobbili government hospital.
Further investigations are underway.
