A massive explosion in a firecracker manufacturing and packaging unit near Lambi in Punjab’s Sri Muktsar Sahib district had led to the death of five people and left 34 injured on Friday morning, police officials have confirmed.
The explosion took place around midnight in a two-storey unit along the Singhawali-Kotli road. According to Jaspal Singh, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Lambi, the blast occurred between 12 midnight and 1 am. “Our teams reached the spot without delay. So far, we have recovered five bodies from the debris, and rescue operations are still underway to ensure no one else is trapped,” he told The Indian Express.
“Nearly 34 people have been injured and referred to various hospitals. Some are admitted to the Civil Hospital in Badal, while others are undergoing treatment at AIIMS, Bathinda. As per current reports, all are in stable condition,” he stated.
Blast led to the roof’s collapse and trapping several labourers
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Dr. Akhil Chaudhary informed that the explosion happened in one of the rooms, which is used for manufacturing firecrackers, resulting in the collapse of the roof. The impact left many workers, most of them migrant labourers trapped under the debris, prompting an urgent rescue operation.
Investigation is ongoing on safety protocols
As soon as the incident was reported, emergency teams were deployed. “The cause appears to be linked to materials used in the manufacturing of firecrackers,” the SSP mentioned. He has not clarified the exact reason for the blast but stated that he will confirm after a detailed forensic probe is conducted.
The tragedy has raised serious concerns related to the safety protocols at such units, particularly where hazardous materials are present. Meanwhile, the authorities have initiated a probe to determine whether safety norms were followed or not.