Firecracker factory blast in U.P.'s Kaushambi leaves 24 injured, 15 feared trapped

A massive explosion at a firecracker factory in Kaushambi district on Monday killed at least 11 people and left several injured, officials reported. The blast occurred near the Pipri police station, prompting a joint rescue operation by police, fire and emergency services, and Indian Air Force personnel stationed nearby. Kaushambi District Magistrate Amit Pal informed that the fire broke out between 11:30 a.m. and noon, and seven injured were rescued in serious condition, requiring transfer to SRN Hospital in Prayagraj for advanced care.

Additionally, at least four houses adjacent to the factory collapsed due to the explosion's impact. Rescue operations are being conducted with JCBs and dog squads to recover individuals trapped beneath the rubble. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed sorrow over the incident and directed authorities to provide necessary assistance to the injured and bereaved families.

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav urged the State government to investigate the cause of the blast, questioning whether negligence or disregard for safety standards was responsible.