25 killed in India firecracker factory blast

International Desk: At least 25 people, mostly labrourers, were killed and eight others critically injured in a major explosion in a firecracker factory in Balaghat district of India on Wednesday.

The injured have been admitted to district hospital and Bhilai in neighbouring Chhattisgarh state.

Explosions took place in the factory owned by Wahid Ahmed Warsi, situated in jungles near Samnapur road in Khairi village, some 7 kilometres from the district headquarters at around 4 pm. The cause of explosions is yet to be ascertained.

It is said the blasts were so intense that sound of explosions was heard as far as five kilometres from the spot.

The factory was earlier situated in a populated area but was shifted by the administration a couple of years ago. The factory owner is on the run, said sources.

Police and sources who reached the spot informed that body parts were ripped off and strewn around in the factory premises.

"Twenty-three bodies have been found and eight people are injured. Of the eight injured, two are admitted to the district hospital and six have been referred to Bhillai," SP Balaghat Amit Sanghi said.

"We started rescue works as soon as the information was received. Due to absence of a proper approach road, the fire-tenders had problem in reaching the spot, however it did not affect the rescue works much," he said.

"All the deceased are locals and only 14 bodies could be identified, so far. There is no minor among the deceased," he said.

"Prima facie investigations reveal that the factory was licensed since 2003," said Sanghi.

Source: Agencies




Risingbd/June 8, 2017/Mukul