IN PICS: 11 killed, five injured in firecracker factory blast in India

Locals gather at the site of a massive explosion at a firecracker factory in the Manouri area of Kaushambi district

Emergency services personnel at the site after a blast at a firecracker warehouse in Kaushambi district, Uttar Pradesh. At least three people were killed and several others suffered injuries in the incident.

Kaushambi (Uttar Pradesh): At least 11 people were killed, and five others were injured after a massive fire triggered a series of explosions at a firecracker factory in Manouri Bazaar under Pipri police station limits of Uttar Pradesh's Kaushambi district on Monday, district authorities said.

District Magistrate Amit Pal Sharma said rescue and relief operations were still underway, with teams from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) deployed at the site.

An injured victim of the Kaushambi firecracker factory blast is shifted for treatment at Swaroop Rani Nehru (SRN) Hospital in Prayagraj

According to the administration, 11 deaths have been confirmed so far, while five injured persons are undergoing treatment at Swaroop Rani Nehru (SRN) Hospital in Prayagraj. Authorities said they have arranged immediate medical assistance for anyone found during the ongoing search operation.

The District Magistrate assured strict action against those found responsible for the tragedy. He said criminal cases would be registered under serious sections of the law, and stringent measures, including property attachment, would be initiated in accordance with government directives.

Following the explosions, administrative and police teams cordoned off the area and intensified rescue efforts. Officials fear that more people may still be trapped beneath the debris of the factory and nearby structures that collapsed in the blast. Search and clearance operations are continuing.

A family member of a victim cries outside Swaroop Rani Nehru (SRN) Hospital following the Kaushambi firecracker factory blast, in Prayagraj

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed deep sorrow over the incident and directed officials to expedite rescue operations and ensure proper medical treatment for the injured. He also instructed the administration to extend all possible assistance to the affected families.

Local residents were among the first to join rescue efforts after the explosions. Villagers were seen rescuing people trapped under debris and those suffering from burn injuries on makeshift stretchers to the roadside, from where ambulances transported them to SRN Hospital. A child is reported to be among the critically injured. Several residents of nearby houses were also hurt in the explosions.

The Chief Minister announced an ex gratia payment of Rs 2 lakh each to the families of those killed and Rs 50,000 each to the injured. He also prayed for the peace of the deceased and the speedy recovery of those undergoing treatment.

A man grieves following a massive explosion at a firecracker factory in the Manouri area of Kaushambi district

Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya also expressed grief over the tragedy. He described the loss of multiple members of a single family as heartbreaking.