Kakinada, March 1 -- Andhra Pradesh Minister Nara Lokesh on Saturday expressed shock and condolences, assuring support to the affected families and medical treatment for the injured after multiple lives were lost in Kakinada's firecracker unit explosion.

On X, he wrote," I am deeply shocked to learn of the explosion at the firecracker manufacturing unit in Vetlapalem, Samarlakota Mandal, Kakinada District. The tragedy of several people losing their lives is beyond words. I offer my condolences to the deceased. The coalition government will stand by the families of the deceased. We will ensure better medical treatment for the injured."

18 people have died after a fire broke out in a firecracker manufacturing unit in Vetlapalem, Kakinada ...