Eight children among 11 killed after massive blast at UP firecracker factory

“The factory was granted an explosives licence in 2019, which was originally valid till 2026. However, the licence was cancelled in 2024. A detailed inquiry is underway to ascertain how the factory continued to operate after cancellation of its licence and to fix responsibility at every level. Strict action will be taken against all persons found guilty,” District Magistrate Amit Pal told PTI.

Police said an FIR has been lodged against six including Naushad, his brother Shakeel, their wives and children.

People gather after a massive explosion at a firecracker factory, in Kaushambi, Uttar Pradesh, Monday. (PTI Photo)

The deceased have been identified as Priyanjali (5), Praveen Singh (13), Jahanvi (12), Aditya (12), Aditya (8), Ravi (8), Anju (32), Gyan Singh (40), Vikram Saroj (35), Ansh (6) and Nana (4), said the DM. Police said several of the deceased were residents of houses adjacent to the building where the blast occurred.

Police are yet to ascertain what triggered the blast. Police suspect that more people might be trapped underneath, and therefore, the death toll could rise further.

Multiple explosions trigger panic, train ops hit

According to the preliminary inquiry, a series of powerful explosions reportedly occurred after which smoke was seen billowing from the building, prompting villagers to rush towards the spot.

Given the intensity of the blast, train operations on the Delhi-Howrah railway line passing near the site were suspended for about an hour. The Ajmer-Sealdah Express, which had reached near the incident site, was sent back to Manori railway station, while the Vande Bharat Express travelling from Delhi to Varanasi was stopped at Saiyad Sarawan railway station, one station before the site.

Family members mourn after a massive explosion at a firecracker factory, in Kaushambi, Uttar Pradesh, Monday. (PTI Photo)

The Manori Air Force Station is located around two kilometres from the site.

Following information about the explosion, local police and fire department teams rushed to the spot. Several fire tenders were deployed to control the flames and assist in the rescue operation. Earthmover machines were also brought in to remove the debris and search for people who may be trapped underneath.

The injured were taken to hospitals in Prayagraj for treatment.

UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has expressed condolences over the loss of lives in the incident, and has also announced an ex gratia for the kin of the deceased and the injured persons.

In a post on X in Hindi, Adityanath said, “Instructions have been issued to local officials to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured and to reach out to the affected families to provide all possible assistance. Furthermore, directives have been issued to provide financial aid of Rs 2 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each to the injured.”

(With PTI inputs)