20 killed in southern India factory fire

By Ahmad Adil

NEW DELHI (AA) – At least 20 people were killed and several others were injured after fire in a cracker unit in southern Andhra Pradesh state, officials said Saturday.

The incident happened at the firecracker manufacturing unit in Kakinada district, a statement by the Kakinada district administration said, adding that the injured were being shifted to the hospital.

A senior official in the district told Anadolu that there is information that 20 people have died in the incident.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said he was "pained" by the loss of lives in the “explosion” at a factory in Kakinada.

“I extend my condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon,” he wrote on US social media company X.

Country's Home Minister Amit Shah said a tragic fire incident took place and rescue and relief operations are underway in the area.