Five people were killed and several others injured Monday after a powerful explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit operating from a house in a village in Uttar Pradesh, the Indian Express reported.
The blast occurred in Manauri village on the border of Kaushambi and Prayagraj districts. The unit was reportedly being operated from a house located in the middle of agricultural fields, according to police and local reports.
The explosion was strong enough to damage four to five nearby houses, while the building housing the firecracker operation was heavily damaged. Several explosions were reportedly heard before smoke began billowing from the site.
“ So far, five bodies have been recovered, including those of men and women,” Kaushambi Circle Officer Shivank Singh said.
He said authorities had not yet determined the exact jurisdiction of the site because it lies near the district boundary.
“At present, the priority is to carry out the rescue operation,” Singh said.
Police, fire department personnel and rescue teams rushed to the site after receiving information about the blast. Several fire tenders were deployed, while earthmoving equipment was used to clear debris and search for people who may have been trapped.
Officials were expected to investigate the cause of the explosions and whether the firecracker unit had the required permissions.
