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The festive spirit of Diwali turned tragic in Andhra Pradesh's Eluru district, where a deadly accident involving firecrackers claimed one life and left six injured. The incident occurred when a man on a two-wheeler carrying a shipment of 'onion bombs', a specialty Diwali firecracker, lost control of his vehicle due to a pothole near a local temple. The impact caused the 'bombs' to fall off and explode, resulting in the devastating consequences.
Reports indicate that the shipment of Diwali 'bombs' possessed explosive power equivalent to an improvised explosive device (IED). CCTV footage of the incident captured two men on a white scooter speeding through a narrow street at 12:17 pm. The bike exploded as it approached a wider section of the road, where a group of five to six men were standing at a junction. The force of the blast was immense, engulfing the entire area in dark grey smoke and sending bits of paper swirling in the air.
As the smoke cleared, two men, miraculously surviving the explosion, ran to safety, while scattered parts of the bike and a body were visible in the distance. The injured men, their ears likely ringing from the explosion, sought help from residents of a nearby house. The bike rider, identified as Sudhakar, suffered gruesome injuries and was found dead at the scene. The six injured individuals were rushed to the district hospital, with two reportedly in critical condition.
The police arrived at the scene and registered a case, commencing an investigation into the tragic incident. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the inherent dangers associated with firecrackers, highlighting the need for strict safety measures and responsible handling of these explosive devices during festivals. The loss of life and injuries inflicted on innocent bystanders underscore the importance of prioritizing safety over tradition and festivities.
Source: 1 Dead, 6 Injured In Diwali 'Onion Bomb' Tragedy In Andhra Pradesh