In Andhra Pradesh’s Eluru district, a tragic accident involving Diwali firecrackers claimed the life of one man and left six others injured. The incident occurred as Sudhakar, a man on a two-wheeler, transported a load of ‘onion bombs’—a popular but powerful Diwali firecracker—when his bike struck a pothole near a local temple. This impact dislodged the firecrackers, leading to a devastating explosion.
CCTV Captures Fatal Explosion
CCTV footage from the scene reveals the two men riding a white scooter through a narrow lane around 12:17 pm, moments before the explosion. As the street widens near a main road, the ‘onion bombs’ ignite, enveloping the area in dense, dark smoke, scattering debris, and producing a sound akin to an IED detonation. Survivors fled the blast, clutching their ears, likely due to the intense ringing from the blast, and sought help from nearby residents.
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Victims and Immediate Response
The deceased, identified as Sudhakar, suffered grievous injuries. The six injured bystanders were immediately rushed to the district hospital, where two remain in critical condition. Gruesome images from the aftermath—too graphic to be publicly shared—illustrated the severe impact of the explosion.
Safety Concerns on Diwali Celebrations
The tragedy raises fresh concerns around the safe handling and transport of Diwali firecrackers. With certain types of firecrackers exhibiting potency similar to military-grade explosives, authorities may consider revisiting safety protocols, especially regarding high-risk items like ‘onion bombs.’