Eleven people were killed and over 50 suffered serious injuries in a massive blast at a firecracker factory located in Bairagarh village of Madhya Pradesh’s Harda district on Tuesday. Latest reports say that several individuals are feared to be trapped within the premises. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has been deployed to the scene to conduct evacuation efforts, officials say. PM Narendra Modi has also expressed distress of the tragedy. According to the PMO, a relief of Rs 2 lakh will be given to the next of kin of each killed in the blaze. The injured will be given Rs 50,000.
The explosion sparked a raging fire that not only consumed the factory but also neighboring structures. Thick plumes of smoke and flames are visibly soaring into the sky, prompting worries regarding the safety of nearby inhabitants.
Initial reports indicate that numerous individuals could have sustained injuries or become trapped due to the blast and ensuing blaze. The full extent of the devastation and the tally of casualties remain uncertain as rescue efforts are actively in progress.
According to sources, wounded people are being transferred to a hospital to treat their injuries. Recent reports mention that three people have been killed in the blast and 40 other are injured.
Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav has sought information from senior officials regarding the fire incident, said the Chief Minister’s Office.
Harda Collector, Rishi Garg said that the rescue operation is underway. He confirmed the death of six people and 59 others were injured. According to Garg, Harda Collector the injured are being treated in the District Hospital, while seriously injured patients are being shifted to Bhopal and Indore. SDRF and NDRF teams were called on the spot.
Firecracker blasts have occurred previously in Tamil Nadu. 27 people were killed in a series of explosions at multiple firecracker units in Tamil Nadu in October 2023.