At least 11 people are believed to have been killed and about 40 injured in a massive explosion and fire at a fireworks factory in India's Madhya Pradesh state.
At least 11 people are reported to have died in a massive explosion at a fireworks factory in India today.
Videos on social media showed smoke and flames billowing from the scene as people fled the area in fear. The cause of the fire in Halda, Madhya Pradesh is not yet clear. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav told a local television station that several people had been killed. About 40 people were injured and feared to be trapped, local official Rishi Garg told the Press Trust of India news agency.
Witnesses reported that several people remained trapped inside the facility and that the fire reached a height of 50 feet. Dozens of ambulances were called in almost immediately, and a military helicopter was also called in, reports said.The injured victim was taken to a nearby hospital and received emergency treatment.
The explosion was felt about 15 kilometers away on Magarda Road in Bairagalu village, Harda province, and was strong enough to shatter windows. Firecrackers used in religious festivals and weddings are in high demand in India. Fatal accidents occur almost every year as people work in temporary factories without proper safety measures in place.
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An employee at a factory in the Halda district told The Sun: “So far, seven deaths can be confirmed. 65 injured people have been admitted here and 10 others have been referred to larger hospitals,” an eyewitness told the news platform. We ran outside and saw the fire. ”
The report said some of the bodies recovered from the scene were unidentifiable. Abdul Raees Khan, commander of the Harda Kotwali police station, told Indian media that most of the casualties were caused by the crowd following the blast. Khan said: “These people died mainly as a result of the crowd after the explosion. The actual explosion site has not yet been reached as a fire broke out and firefighters are working to extinguish it.” Stated.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav confirmed that more than 50 ambulances were dispatched to the scene. Yadav also announced a compensation of Rs 400,000 to the families of the deceased. He said, “Minister Ranvendra Pratap Singh, Home Directorate and over 400 police personnel have reached the spot. We are trying to extinguish the fire and provide emergency assistance to the affected people. We will provide Rs 400,000 to the victim's family.” Those killed and injured will receive free treatment. ”
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also announced that the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund would pay an ex-gratia of 200,000 rupees to all the next of kin of the deceased. He also promised to pay Rs 50,000 to the injured. “We are heartbroken by the loss of life in the accident at a cracker factory in Halda, Madhya Pradesh. We extend our condolences to all those who have lost loved ones,” his office said in a statement.
“May the injured recover as soon as possible. The local administration is supporting all the affected people. Rs 200,000 will be given by PMNRF to the next of kin of each deceased person. Rs 50,000 to the injured. will be given,” a PMO statement said. the office said in a post to X.
Last July, an explosion at a firecracker factory in southern India killed eight people. In 2018, a massive fire broke out at a firecracker factory in New Delhi, killing 17 workers. A year ago, 23 people were killed when an explosion occurred while they were making firecrackers in a village in central India's Madhya Pradesh state.
