5 dead, 34 injured in firecracker factory blast in Punjab's Muktsar
At least five people were killed and 34 were injured early Friday in a powerful midnight blast at a double-storey firecracker factory located on the outskirts of a village in Punjab's Muktsar district.
The factory in the Singhwala village in the Lambi constituency, owned by one Tarsem Singh, was reduced to rubble due to the intensity of the explosion. The force of the blast was so intense that it brought down the entire double-storey structure, trapping many under the debris.
The identities of the deceased have not been confirmed yet. Most of the factory workers were migrants from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
According to Jaspal Singh, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Lambi, the explosion 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 28 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.'
Initial investigations show that both the manufacturing and packaging of firecrackers were being carried out on the same premises. Moreover, several workers were living within the factory building.
'Three bodies were recovered during the night, and two more in the early morning hours. Based on the number of workers believed to be staying inside, we are hopeful that no one else is trapped, but the rescue operation continues as a precautionary measure,' DSP Singh said.
'Once the injured are stable, we will record their statements to ascertain the exact cause of the blast. Strict action will follow as per the law. The factories department has also been informed and their team will soon visit the site to examine any violations under the Factories Act,' he added.
Akhil Chaudhary, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP), Muktsar, told reporters, 'Initial investigation has revealed that two separate units were operating within the same premises — one for manufacturing and another for packaging firecrackers. Some workers were busy with packaging last night, while a few others were asleep when the blast occurred. Prima facie, it appears that the explosion was caused by materials used in firecracker manufacturing. However, our forensic team will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause. There is no need for panic at this stage.'
'We have directed the department concerned to verify the records and provide details about the factory's operations. Based on their findings, appropriate legal action will be initiated. Preliminary information suggests that the workers had recently shifted to this location for employment.'
The Lambi police are probing whether the explosion was caused due to mishandling or improper storage of explosives used in the firecracker manufacturing process, or if other factors were involved.
Residents of Singhwala and surrounding villages said they were woken up by the loud explosion and rushed out of their homes in fear.
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