Hyderabad: A devastating explosion involving ‘onion bomb’ firecrackers claimed the life of a man and left six others injured in Andhra Pradesh’s Eluru district. The accident occurred near Gangamma Temple when a two-wheeler carrying a load of these potent firecrackers hit a pothole, causing the explosive-laden bag to fall and detonate upon impact.
CCTV footage captured the tragic moment as two men on a scooter drove through a narrow street before the explosion. As they neared a main road, the firecrackers exploded with such force that the area was instantly engulfed in thick grey smoke and debris scattered across the street. In the aftermath, two survivors emerged from the smoke, visibly shaken and holding their ears, likely affected by the blast’s shockwave.
The rider, identified as Sudhakar, suffered fatal injuries, and images from the scene revealed the extent of the damage. The six injured individuals were taken to the district hospital, with two reported to be in critical condition. Authorities have registered a case and launched an investigation into the incident.
The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the hazards of carrying explosive materials on public roads, especially during festive seasons.