Bundelkhand Gaurav Mahotsav: 4 killed as stocked firecrackers explode at govt event, 3 booked

“The organisers had planned to conclude the two-day event on Wednesday with a firecracker display at night. A cultural program was scheduled for 4 pm when the stored firecrackers caught fire,” a police officer said.

The victims, who have not been identified as they sustained severe burns, leaving their faces unrecognisable, are believed to be labourers, and in their 30s.

“The extent of the burns suffered by those who died and were injured has left their features unrecognisable, posing a significant challenge to the identification process,” said the officer.

“Fortunately, due to the ongoing function, the school near the ground was shut. As a result, there were no students,” another officer added.

Taking serious note of the incident, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced a probe by a committee under the Additional Director General (ADG)-rank officer into the incident. CM Adityanath also announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each for those injured.

Speaking to mediapersons in the evening, ADG (Prayagraj Zone) Bhanu Bhaskar said an FIR has been registered against three persons belonging to the event management company. A deputy SP will investigate the case, Bhaskar added.

Earlier in the day, Chitrakoot District Magistrate Abhishek Anand ordered an inquiry into the incident and said that the next course of action would be taken on the basis of the probe report.

Sources in the police said that a short circuit could have led to the fire incident.