6 killed in firecracker factory fire in southern India

ANKARA

Six people were killed and a few others injured after a fire broke out in a firecracker manufacturing unit in the southern Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, officials said on Wednesday.

The incident took place in the state's Konaseema district and a probe has been ordered, Lokesh Nara, a state government minister, wrote in a post on the US social media company X.

Confirming the death toll, he said instructions “have been given to officials to make all necessary arrangements to provide better medical care to the injured.”

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the incident as “deeply saddening. “My thoughts are with the affected people and their families during this difficult time. Praying for the speedy recovery of the injured,” he said.