A housing inauguration event in Khammam turned chaotic when a misfired rocket ignited an auto-rickshaw loaded with firecrackers, injuring two and causing panic. Despite the incident, Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy continued with the programme, interacting with beneficiaries before departing for Kothagudem.
Khammam: Two persons were injured while a Kolatam artist fainted during the inauguration of Indiramma houses by Revenue Minister Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy at Arempula in Khammam rural mandal on Monday.
Local Congress leaders mobilised a large number of Kolatam and Dappu artists from various mandals to welcome the Minister. However, the event turned chaotic when fireworks were set off. A rocket went astray and fell into an auto-rickshaw loaded with firecrackers. Within moments, the auto caught fire, forcing people to run in panic to escape the blaze.
A Kolatam artist, P Shivani of Bodulabanda in Nelakondapalli mandal, and a police constable, Balu of Tirumalayapalem police station, sustained injuries in the mishap. A local woman, Devayani of Arempula, fainted during the commotion.
Constable Balu and Devayani were shifted to a hospital in Khammam for treatment, while Shivani was administered first aid by locals at the spot.
Despite the incident, the Minister continued with the programme. He delivered his speech, had lunch with the beneficiaries of Indiramma houses, and later left for Kothagudem.
