A devastating explosion at a firecracker factory in Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh, has claimed at least 15 lives and left over 30 others injured, officials confirmed on Saturday. The blast occurred around 10:30 AM in the industrial area of the district, triggering a massive fire that spread to nearby structures.
Immediate Response and Rescue Efforts
Local police, fire brigades, and disaster response teams rushed to the spot. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams were deployed for search and rescue operations. District Magistrate Alok Kumar said that the injured have been admitted to Saharanpur District Hospital and referred to Meerut for advanced care.
- Over 50 personnel engaged in rescue.
- Three fire tenders used to douse flames.
- Debris cleared to locate trapped victims.
Death Toll Expected to Rise
Senior police officer Rajesh Pandey stated that the death toll may increase as some workers remain missing. 'We have recovered 15 bodies so far. Rescue efforts are ongoing, and we are trying to identify the victims,' he said. The factory, operating in a congested area, lacked proper safety measures.
Government Announcement and Investigation
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed condolences and announced an ex-gratia of ₹5 lakh to the families of the deceased. He ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident. The factory owner has been detained for questioning. Preliminary reports indicate a short circuit may have triggered the explosion.
Hospital Situation and Public Reaction
Hospitals in Saharanpur have been put on alert. Witnesses reported hearing a loud blast followed by a plume of smoke. Local resident Ravi Sharma said, 'It felt like an earthquake. We saw flames and ran for safety.' The incident has raised concerns about safety standards in illegal firecracker units.
