Tragic Explosion Rocks Firecracker Manufacturing Unit
A devastating explosion at a firecracker manufacturing facility in Uttar Pradesh's Barabanki district has claimed two lives and left five people critically injured. The tragic incident occurred on Thursday afternoon around 2:30 PM in the Tikait Nagar area, sending shockwaves through the local community.
Casualties and Immediate Aftermath
According to official reports, there were seven individuals present inside the factory at the time of the blast, including the unit owner Mohammad Khalid. The deceased have been identified as workers Eeshwar Lal and Khursheed, both employees at the cracker manufacturing facility.
Barabanki District Magistrate Shashank Tripathi described the intensity of the explosion, stating that the factory was completely reduced to rubble. "Even the bricks crushed into debris," the DM emphasized, highlighting the powerful nature of the blast.
Following the explosion, emergency response teams sprang into action. Fire tenders were immediately dispatched to the location, and rescue operations commenced promptly. Two of the critically injured individuals have been transferred to a hospital in Lucknow for advanced medical treatment.
Investigation and Regulatory Compliance
In a significant revelation, officials confirmed that the firecracker manufacturing unit possessed a valid license to store and manufacture up to 15 kg of crackers until March next year. Preliminary investigations have not uncovered any violations so far.
District Magistrate Tripathi further elaborated that "the sub-divisional magistrate and the local circle officer had inspected the factory before Diwali, and it was found to be following the laid-down norms."
Regarding the possible cause, the DM mentioned that according to the chief fire officer, the facility contained explosives for making firecrackers that could ignite if rubbed, potentially triggering the fire and subsequent explosion.
Inspector General (Ayodhya Range) Praveen Kumar, who visited the blast site along with the DM, has directed local police and fire officials to thoroughly investigate the reasons behind the tragic incident.
Authorities have sealed the explosion site and called in a forensic team to collect evidence. Rescue teams continue efforts to clear the debris and search for anyone who might still be trapped within the wreckage.
