The incident began with a fire at the factory, followed by a series of powerful explosions that triggered panic in the surrounding area. Several nearby houses were damaged, with windows shattered and debris scattered across the locality. Three people were killed and five others injured after a massive explosion at a firecracker factory near Manauri Bazar on the Kaushambi-Prayagraj border in Uttar Pradesh on Monday, officials said.
“Information about the explosion at the firecracker factory on the Prayagraj-Kaushambi border was received at around 10.40 a.m. Earlier reporting noted: Initial reports suggest that around 25 workers were present inside the factory when the accident occurred. As a result, local residents transported the injured to hospitals in auto-rickshaws and other available vehicles.
Rescue teams comprising police, fire brigade personnel, and district administration officials immediately rushed to the site and launched search and relief operations.
Rescue and relief operations are currently underway to find those trapped under the debris and provide medical care,” Pal said. “Anyone found in the debris during the rescue operation is immediately taken to the nearest hospital for treatment,” he added. Pal said the casualty figures were preliminary. Earlier reporting noted: According to eyewitnesses, emergency medical assistance was delayed despite repeated calls.
District Magistrate Vipin Pal reached the site after receiving information about the incident and reviewed the rescue and relief operations. He directed officials to speed up the search for anyone trapped under the debris and ensure that the injured receive immediate medical treatment. A fire brigade team was sent to the spot along with six to eight ambulances. Police and administrative teams from both Kaushambi and Prayagraj districts also reached the site and joined the rescue efforts. “This is the only preliminary information regarding the number of dead and injured. The situation will become clearer once the rescue operation is complete. The administration will share any new information as soon as it receives it,” Pal added. Several homes collapsed, and LPG cylinders inside some houses reportedly exploded and caught fire, further aggravating the situation. Authorities fear that some people may still be trapped under the debris. Senior officials, including District Magistrate Kaushambi Amit Pal Sharma and Superintendent of Police (SP) Satyanarayan Prajapat, are monitoring the situation.
Earlier reporting noted: The impact of the explosion caused extensive damage to nearby residential houses.
The firecracker factory was operating from a house located some distance from the settlement, according to preliminary information. Eyewitnesses said smoke was initially seen rising from the house before a sudden burst of explosions. Several people were reportedly inside when the accident occurred. Firecrackers continued to explode one after another, making it difficult for rescue teams to reach the building in the initial stages.
