Anakapalle (Andhra Pradesh): At least eight workers, including two women, died and seven others sustained injuries in an explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Kailasapatnam village of Kotauratla Mandal in this district on Sunday afternoon.
Police said all the victims belonged to the Samarlakota in Kakinada district and the injured were shifted to a nearby hospital.
The fire service personnel, who reached the spot, said they recovered eight bodies.
Police suspect that the death toll may rise some workers received critical burns in the incident.
The police are yet to ascertain the exact reason for the explosion.
Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh expressed deep condolence to the family members of the deceased.
Taking to 'X', Lokesh said the death of the workers at a fireworks manufacturing facility in Kailasapatnam is shocking.
"This is an unfortunate incident and the District authorities should take steps to ensure that the injured get better medical treatment. The government will provide all possible support to the affected families," the Minister said.
Anakapalle District Collector Vijaya Krishnan, who rushed to the spot, is monitoring the relief and rescue operations.