5 dead, several injured in blast at cracker manufacturing unit in UP

A massive explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Prayagraj left at least 11 people dead and five injured on Monday, officials reported. The blast occurred near the Prayagraj-Kaushambi border, in the Pipri police station area close to the Manori power house. Emergency services, including police, fire brigade personnel and teams from the Manori Air Force Station, joined forces for a joint rescue operation following the incident.

The explosion's impact extended beyond the factory, damaging several structures in the vicinity, with five to six houses collapsing and windows of multiple homes shattered by flying debris. The Manori Air Force Station, located around 2km away, deployed personnel for rescue and relief efforts alongside police and fire services from Kaushambi and Prayagraj.

Preliminary reports suggest the firecracker unit was operating from a residential house situated away from the main settlement when the disaster unfolded. Several individuals were present inside the premises at the time of the blast. An initial fire inside the unit led to a chain reaction as stored firecrackers detonated one after another, causing the series of explosions that initially hindered the efforts of the rescue team.

Eyewitnesses recounted seeing smoke emerging from the house before a series of explosions ensued, heard across a wide area and accompanied by a thick cloud of smoke. The force of the blasts caused significant damage to nearby houses, shattered glass windows, and scattered debris over a large area.

As explosions continued for an extended period, authorities imposed restrictions on the movement of people around the site to ensure the safety of residents and rescue personnel. Rescue and relief operations continued unabated as authorities assessed the full extent of the damage caused by the explosion.