Diwali ‘onion bomb’ tragedy; 3 dead in firecracker explosion in Andhra Pradesh

Three people died and 11 got injured in two firecracker-related accidents in Andhra Pradesh on Thursday (Oct 31). 

This comes amid the government asking people to not burn firecrackers. 

According to the police, the accident happened when a man carrying “onion bombs” (a special Diwali firecracker) in a bag on his vehicle hit a pothole near Ganganamma temple, causing the bag with “onion bombs” to fall. 

The firecrackers exploded on the spot, killing the rider. The rider has been identified as Sudhakar. 

According to reports, the shipment of Diwali ‘bombs’ had the same explosive power as an IED, or improvised explosive device.

The police said that his body “blew into pieces,” while other injured were taken to Eluru government hospital.

Police have also registered a case and launched an investigation. 

This is reportedly the second firecracker-related tragedy in 24 hours. 

Watch | Ayodhya: Birthplace Of Lord Ram Dazzles In Diwali Lights

On Wednesday evening, two women were burnt alive, and five others were critically injured in a fire at a fireworks manufacturing unit in West Godavari district. 

On Wednesday, former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal asked people to refrain from busting firecrackers and light diyas on Diwali, noting that Diwali is a festival of lights and not firecrackers.

Speaking at a press conference, Kejriwal said, “Even the Supreme Court and High Court say that in view of the pollution, we should not burst crackers; we should light diyas. This is the festival of lights and not fireworks. It is not as if we are doing a favour to anybody. Whatever pollution will happen, our children will suffer from it, so there is no Hindu-Muslim in this. Everyone’s life is important.”

This comes as the national capital has been witnessing a rise in air pollution.  Delhi’s air quality has deteriorated over the last several days, prompting the Delhi government to take measures to control air pollution.

(With inputs from agencies)