Kakinada, India: Tragedy struck in Kakinada district when an oil tanker explosion claimed the lives of two men from Kathipudi village in Santhanamparava mandal. Kocherla Prabhakar, a 39-year-old lorry driver, and Boora Somaraju, also 39, a welding worker, lost their lives in the incident that shook the community on Monday.
The explosion took place near Durgada village in Gollaprolu mandal, where the empty oil tanker, owned by G. Gangadhar, was in the midst of welding repairs when a sudden blast tore through it. Sub-inspector A. Balaji from Gollaprolu indicated that the preliminary investigation points towards residual oil igniting during the welding process as a potential cause. Despite claims from the owner that the tanker had undergone cleaning at a service center, Inspector Balaji emphasized the importance of a thorough inquiry to uncover the true root of the explosion.
The force of the blast propelled both workers into an iron rod, causing fatal head injuries. In response, Gollaprolu police swiftly registered a case and initiated an investigation into the tragic event. The community mourns the loss of Prabhakar and Somaraju, highlighting the dangers that workers like them face in the line of duty. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to safety protocols in industrial settings to prevent such accidents from occurring.
Authorities are working diligently to piece together the sequence of events leading up to the explosion, ensuring that justice is served for the families of the deceased. As the investigation unfolds, the community stands in solidarity with the bereaved families, offering support and condolences during this difficult time. The tragic incident has sparked conversations about workplace safety and the need for enhanced regulations to protect workers across various industries.