Visakhapatnam, Aug 7 (NationPress) - A tragic incident occurred in Andhra Pradesh's Visakhapatnam on Thursday, claiming the lives of two individuals and injuring four others due to a gas cylinder explosion. The explosion took place in the Bukka Veedhi area, close to the Fishing Harbour.

Initial investigations by the police suggest that the blast happened at a scrap shop where workers were engaged in welding activities. The cylinder, which was being used for welding, exploded, resulting in the immediate death of two individuals, whose bodies were reportedly dismembered by the force of the blast.

The malfunctioning gas cylinder led to the significant explosion, which was so powerful that local residents reported hearing it from up to half a kilometer away.

The incident caused widespread panic, with people fleeing the scene in fear. Emergency services, including police and fire department personnel, quickly arrived to conduct rescue operations. The injured victims were transported to King George Hospital, where their conditions were described as critical.

Local MLA Vamsikrishna Srinivas and Collector Harindhira Prasad visited the site of the accident, expressing their shock and pledging support for the families of the victims.

The deceased have been identified as Ganesh, the scrap shop owner, and Srinu, who owned the neighboring shop. Four others, Ranga, Yellaji, Sanyasi, and Muthyala, who were working in the shop, sustained serious injuries.

Shankhabrata Bagchi, the Police Commissioner of Visakhapatnam, visited the injured at the hospital, coordinating with Dr. Vani and other medical staff to ensure that the victims receive optimal care.

In response to the tragedy, Home Minister Vangalapudi Anita expressed her sorrow over the incident. She communicated with the Police Commissioner and fire service officials, emphasizing the necessity of providing the best treatment for the injured and extending her condolences to the families of the deceased.