A chilling incident unfolded in Eluru, Andhra Pradesh, on Thursday afternoon, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. A deadly firecracker mishap, involving the transportation of ‘onion bombs’ – a type of firework notorious for its explosive power – claimed the life of one person and injured at least six others.
The incident occurred as two men were transporting a bag containing ‘onion bombs’ and other crackers on a scooter. According to eyewitness accounts and CCTV footage, the scooter, traveling at a high speed, encountered a pothole near a local temple, causing the bag of fireworks to fall onto the road. The impact triggered a massive explosion, sending a shockwave through the area and leaving behind a scene of chaos.
The force of the blast was so intense that it resembled an improvised explosive device (IED), leaving the driver of the scooter dead at the scene. The explosion sent debris flying, injuring the pillion passenger and several bystanders who were standing at a nearby junction.
Images from the scene show a thick plume of dark grey smoke engulfing the area, with bits of paper and debris scattered across the ground. The impact of the blast was so severe that the driver’s body was dismembered. Two of the injured victims are reported to be in critical condition.
The police have launched an investigation into the incident, aiming to determine the exact cause of the explosion and assess the safety measures in place for transporting such hazardous materials. ‘Onion bombs’ have been under scrutiny in recent years due to their potentially deadly nature and their propensity to cause severe injuries. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with mishandling these explosives and the importance of prioritizing safety during the festive season.
