A massive explosion at an alleged illegal firecracker factory in Kaushambi district on Monday left at least five people dead, including two children, and injured more than 20 others. The powerful blast completely razed the factory building and damaged several nearby houses, triggering panic across the area.
Rescue teams comprising police, fire brigade personnel, and district administration officials immediately rushed to the site and launched search and relief operations. The explosion occurred at a firecracker factory located in the Manauri area under Pura Mufti police station limits near the Prayagraj-Kaushambi border. The impact of the explosion caused extensive damage to nearby residential houses. 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.
Initial reports suggest that around 25 workers were present inside the factory when the accident occurred.
DM Amit Pal Sharma said that rescue operations were in full swing and that investigations were being carried out into how this factory was running without any valid licence.
Chief Fire Officer (CFO), Prayagraj, CM Sharma said that, given the extent of the explosion, it could be prima facie concluded that crackers were being manufactured on a large scale as several nearby houses were affected.
Among the deceased are Pravin (13), Priyanshi (5), Pranjali (5), Tanu (17) and Ranesh (45) who succumbed to injuries while undergoing treatment at SRN Hospital in Prayagraj. Both children had been admitted in critical condition. As a result, local residents transported the injured to hospitals in auto-rickshaws and other available vehicles.
Hospital sources said that the condition of several injured persons remains serious, with multiple victims being treated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Emergency medical assistance was delayed despite repeated calls, according to eyewitnesses.
