AMARAVATI, April 15: Bharatiya Janata Party Andhra Pradesh State president P.V.N. Madhav on Wednesday expressed profound shock over the gas cylinder explosion at Kummaravalapalli village in Kadiri mandal of Sri Sathya Sai district, which claimed several lives and left many others injured. He extended his deepest condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for their strength in the face of tragedy.

Madhav demanded that the State government immediately provide the best possible medical care to the injured and ensure that no effort is spared in saving lives. He also called upon the government to announce adequate financial assistance to the affected families at the earliest.

The BJP State president urged the authorities to order a comprehensive investigation into the incident. Expressing serious concern over reports circulating on social media suggesting the presence of gelatin sticks at the site, Madhav said such reports were deeply troubling. If found to be true, he demanded that stringent action be taken against those responsible for the illegal storage of explosives.

Whether the incident was the result of criminal negligence or the involvement of anti-social elements, the guilty must be identified and brought to justice under the law, he asserted.

Reaffirming the party's commitment to stand firmly by the victims, Madhav directed BJP district leaders across Sri Sathya Sai district to reach out to the affected families and extend all possible assistance and support in their hour of need.

AMARAVATI, April 15: A devastating fire broke out in Kummaravalapalli village of Kadiri mandal in Sri Sathya Sai district on Wednesday, leaving four persons dead and at least 20 others injured. The incident triggered an immediate response from the State government, with Minister for Medical and Health Sri Satyakumar Yadav expressing profound shock over the loss of lives.

According to district officials, four persons died on the spot when the fire rapidly engulfed the area, leaving little time for escape. One person who sustained serious head injuries was shifted to the Government General Hospital (GGH) in Anantapur, where the individual is receiving specialised medical attention. The remaining 19 injured persons are currently undergoing treatment at the Kadiri Area Hospital.

Upon receiving information about the tragedy, Minister Satyakumar Yadav immediately got in touch with senior district officials to take stock of the situation. He issued strict directives to the hospital administration and health officials to ensure that the highest standard of medical care is extended to all victims without delay.

"Every possible measure must be taken to save lives," the Minister was quoted as telling officials, underlining the urgency of the situation.

The cause of the fire is yet to be officially determined, and district administration officials are conducting a detailed assessment of the site. The extent of damage to property is also being ascertained.

Further investigation into the incident is under way.