VISAKHAPATNAM: Five people, including two women, were charred to death and 10 others sustained severe burns in an explosion at a licenced fire crackers manufacturing unit at Gokulpadu village under S Rayavaram police station limits in Visakhapatnam district on Sunday.

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The unit is located amidst agricultural fields in the village. The blast occurred at around 5.10pm. Villagers rushed to the cracker unit after they heard a deafening sound. Within minutes the entire unit was burnt down. The bodies of five workers were charred beyond recognition. The locals managed to pull out the injured and shifted them to hospital. The condition of five of the injured, who received third degree burns, is said to be critical.

The unit owner, Nooka Raju, is reportedly absconding. The deceased have been identified as N Satyavathi, 28, L Seshamma, 40, S Ramana, 27, S Lakshmi, 50, and M Satti Babu, 45. While Satti Babu belonged to Payakraopeta, others hailed from Gokulapadu village.

Narsipatnam assistant superintendent of police B Satya Yesh Babu said the police are yet to ascertain the reason behind the blast as the injured are not in a position to speak. Visakhapatnam district SP Koya Praveen said the severely injured were shifted to Seven Hills Hospital in Vizag city after they were administered first aid at Nakkapalle hospital. Five of the victims were shifted to KG Hospital.

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Police said the unit had licence which is valid till March 31, 2016. They said a recent inspection at the unit by their team found everything in order. Police said loud explosions were heard and fire engulfed the entire building within seconds. Fire tenders from nearby villages rushed to the spot.

Sources said Nooka Raju had received orders from marriage parties for supply of fire crackers. There was a huge stock of raw material in the unit. Due to the demand, he had employed 10 more workers recently.

Home minister N China Rajappa sought a report from the district police and announced a compensation of Rs two lakh each to the kin of the deceased.

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