Tragic explosion at firecracker factory in northern India, damage nearby homes
by Aditi VermaA devastating explosion at a firecracker storage facility in northern India’s Uttar Pradesh, resulted in the collapse of several nearby homes and claimed the lives of five people, including two young children. Rescue operations are ongoing as authorities search for any additional survivors.
The incident took place at Shikohabad area in Firozabad District on September 16.
Visuals showed after the explosion at the firecracker factory, the scene was chaotic and distressing. The area was shrouded in darkness, with thick, black smoke obscuring visibility. Debris from the collapsed buildings covered the ground in a dense layer. Rescue teams, equipped with flashlights and heavy machinery, worked tirelessly under the dim light to uncover and retrieve those trapped beneath the rubble. The wreckage was scattered and chaotic, with twisted metal and broken concrete forming a tangled mess. The atmosphere was heavy with the sounds of rescue workers shouting instructions and the occasional clamor of shifting debris. Despite the challenging conditions, the teams continued their efforts, determined to save as many lives as possible from the wreckage.
According to reports in this harrowing incident in Shikohabad, Firozabad, a powerful explosion occurred at a residential property storing firecrackers. The blast was so severe that it caused the roofs of surrounding houses to collapse, leading to significant damage and loss of life. The death toll has risen to five, including a three-year-old girl and her one-and-a-half-year-old brother. Six other individuals are receiving treatment at local hospitals.
According to police reports, the explosion happened late at night around 10:30 PM, causing walls to fall and trapping a family of seven under the debris. Emergency services have managed to rescue ten individuals from the rubble so far, but there are concerns that more people may be trapped. The district administration, along with fire and police departments, are actively engaged in the rescue efforts under the supervision of senior officials.
District officials identified the deceased as Mira Devi (45), Aman (20), Gautam Kushwaha (18), Kumari Ichha (3), and Kalu (1.5). The IG of Agra Range, Deepak Kumar, confirmed that the area where the firecrackers were stored is prohibited for such activities due to its dense population. An investigation is underway to determine how the storage was allowed in this area.
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) is expected to arrive soon to expedite the rescue and relief operations.