Amaravati, October 20, 2025:

A parcel packed with firecrackers detonated at an APSRTC courier depot in Parvathipuram town, Vizianagaram district, claiming the life of a loader and leaving five colleagues with serious injuries on Sunday morning.

The blast, suspected to have been caused by mishandling during storage to meet festive demand, shattered the facility and sent debris flying, with locals hearing a thunderous roar that echoed through the neighbourhood. The deceased, a resident in his 30s, was pronounced dead on arrival at the hospital, while the injured, aged 25 to 45, underwent treatment for burns and shrapnel wounds at a nearby medical centre.

Police have sealed the site for investigation, focusing on safety protocols for hazardous goods amid rising Diwali shipments.

Officials from the explosives department are assessing the cause, with preliminary findings pointing to improper packaging.