11 dead after massive blast at UP firecracker factory; licence was cancelled in 2024

At least 11 people, including eight children, were killed, and five others injured after a massive explosion ripped through a firecracker factory in Uttar Pradesh’s Kaushambi district on Monday afternoon, officials said. The blast destroyed the factory building and damaged or brought down five to six adjoining houses.

The factory, located in Manori village, had been granted an explosives licence in 2019, which was initially valid until 2026. However, the licence was cancelled in 2024, raising questions over how the unit continued to operate.

Several people are feared trapped under the debris, and a large-scale rescue operation is underway. Teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), police, fire brigade and Air Force personnel have been deployed at the site. All 11 people who died lived in the vicinity of the factory, officials said.

FACTORY OPERATOR AMONG SIX BOOKED

Kaushambi Superintendent of Police Satnarayan Prajapat said a case had been registered at Pipri police station under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Explosives Act against six people, including factory operator Adil.

The accused will also face charges under the Gangsters Act, the SP said, adding that proceedings would be initiated to seize their assets. Four police teams have been formed to arrest the accused, he said.

Kaushambi District Magistrate Amit Pal said a detailed inquiry was underway to determine how the factory continued functioning despite its explosives licence being cancelled in 2024.

"The factory was granted an explosives licence in 2019, which was originally valid till 2026. However, the licence was cancelled in 2024. A detailed inquiry is underway to ascertain how the factory continued to operate after cancellation of its licence and to fix responsibility at every level. Strict action will be taken against all persons found guilty," Pal told PTI.

8 CHILDREN AMONG 11 DEAD

The 11 deceased were identified as Priyanjali (5), Praveen Singh (13), Jahanvi (12), Aditya (12), Aditya (8), Ravi (8), Anju (32), Gyan Singh (40), Vikram Saroj (35), Ansh (6) and Nana (4), the district magistrate said.

Officials said 11 injured people were initially referred to SRN Hospital in Prayagraj, where they died during treatment. Five seriously injured people are currently undergoing treatment at the hospital.

Given the intensity of the explosion, several people are still feared trapped beneath the rubble. Rescue teams are using excavators to clear the debris and search for survivors.

The fire brigade brought the blaze under control, while more than a dozen fire tenders and around two dozen ambulances were deployed at the site.

BLAST DISRUPTS DELHI-HOWRAH RAILWAY OPERATIONS

The explosion also temporarily disrupted train services on the Delhi-Howrah railway route, which passes close to the site.

Railway operations were suspended for around an hour following the blast. The Ajmer-Sealdah Express, which had reached near the incident site, was sent back to Manori railway station. The Delhi-Varanasi Vande Bharat Express was stopped at Saiyad Sarawan railway station, one station before the blast site. Manori Air Force Station is located around two kilometres from the factory.

Senior police officials rushed to the spot following the explosion as rescue and relief operations continued.

YOGI ANNOUNCES COMPENSATION

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed grief over the loss of lives and announced financial assistance for the victims' families.

"The local officials have been instructed to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured and to reach out to the affected families to provide all possible assistance. Furthermore, directives have been issued to provide financial aid of Rs 2 lakh each to the next of kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each to the injured," Adityanath said.

Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya visited SRN Hospital in Prayagraj and met the injured to enquire about their condition. Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak also expressed grief over the incident.

Krishna Paswan, Uttar Pradesh Minister of State for Dairy Development and the minister in charge of Kaushambi district, reached the site late on Monday evening and met the families of the victims.

The factory is being demolished, Paswan said, adding that strict action, including seizure of the accused persons' assets, would be taken in accordance with government directives.