Two children among 7 dead in massive blast at firecracker factory on UP-Prayagraj border; 22 injured
PTC Web Desk: A powerful explosion at a firecracker factory near the Prayagraj-Kaushambi border in Uttar Pradesh on Monday left seven persons dead, including two children, and injured at least 22 others.
The blast took place around 12.30 pm at Mohammadpur village of Kaushambi district, located close to the Prayagraj border. The Manouri Air Force Station is around two km from the site.
According to the police, the explosion was so intense that the entire factory collapsed. Several houses in the vicinity were also damaged. At least eight houses within a radius of around 100 metre were affected, with three of them reportedly reduced to rubble.
Also Read | Delhi's draft electoral roll out: 47.7 lakh of 1.45 crore electors excluded; check when and where to file claims and objections
Also Read | Nepal floods horror: Death toll hits 903, over 4,200 missing as rescuers search blocked hydropower tunnels
Ten bulldozers are being used to clear the debris. Officials suspect that more people could be trapped underneath the rubble, raising fears that the death toll may increase.
Around 20 workers were reportedly present inside the factory when the explosion occurred. Some residents of nearby houses were also injured.
The impact of the blast was felt across the surrounding area, with the sound reportedly heard nearly two km away. A thick cloud of smoke quickly spread over the locality, while a series of smaller explosions continued after the main blast because of the firecrackers stored at the site.
Local residents were seen carrying injured people on charpoys as emergency teams rushed to the spot.
The force of the explosion caused extensive structural damage in the area. One of the nearby houses reportedly suffered a hole measuring around eight feet in its third-floor structure.
The factory was a single-storey structure spread over approximately 800 square feet. The police identified its owner as Adil.
Officials said a new residential settlement was coming up next to the factory, with eight houses located in its immediate vicinity.
Two children were among the victims identified so far. They have been identified as 13-year-old Praveen and five-year-old Priyanshi.
Kaushambi District Magistrate Amit Pal Sharma said the rescue operation was still underway and that the administration was closely monitoring the situation.
Sharma said those found responsible for the incident would face strict legal action. He added that cases would be registered under stringent provisions after the investigation establishes responsibility, and that further action, including seizure of property, would be taken wherever required.
A preliminary investigation has also raised questions over the factory's licensing status. Officials said the licence of the firecracker unit was reportedly cancelled around two years ago.
Authorities are now examining the circumstances surrounding the factory's operation, the cause of the explosion and possible lapses in safety measures. The investigation is continuing.
- With inputs from agencies
