11 Killed, Five Injured in Explosions at Firecracker Factory in Uttar Pradesh

Kaushambi — At least 11 people were killed and five others injured Monday after a fire triggered a series of explosions at a firecracker factory in Uttar Pradesh’s Kaushambi district, officials said.

The explosions occurred at a facility in Manouri Bazaar, within the jurisdiction of Pipri police station.

District Magistrate Amit Pal Sharma said rescue and relief operations were continuing, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Force deployed at the scene.

Officials said 11 deaths had been confirmed, while five injured people were being treated at Swaroop Rani Nehru Hospital in Prayagraj. Medical assistance has been arranged for anyone else found during the ongoing search.

Authorities cordoned off the area following the explosions as rescue crews searched the debris of the factory and nearby structures damaged or destroyed in the blast. Officials said they feared additional people could still be trapped beneath the rubble.

Sharma said authorities would take strict action against anyone found responsible for the disaster, including filing criminal cases and potentially attaching property in accordance with government directives.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed condolences over the deaths and directed officials to accelerate rescue operations and ensure proper medical care for the injured. He also ordered the administration to provide assistance to affected families.

Local residents joined the initial rescue effort, helping pull people from the debris and carrying burn victims on makeshift stretchers to waiting ambulances. A child was reportedly among those critically injured, while several people living in nearby homes were also hurt.

Adityanath announced compensation of Rs 2 lakh each for the families of those killed and Rs 50,000 for each injured person.

Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya also expressed grief over the incident and directed hospital officials to provide the injured with the best available treatment.

Images from the scene showed extensive damage, with relatives searching through debris for missing family members as others gathered at hospitals seeking information about their loved ones. (Source: IANS)