- Illegal firecracker unit blast caused building collapse.
- Three people, including two children, rescued from debris.
- CM Yogi directed immediate relief and medical assistance.
Varanasi Building Collapse: Three people, including a woman and two children, were rescued after a massive explosion caused a two-storey building collapse in Paigambarpur, under the jurisdiction of the Sarnath police station.
According to a report by Jagran.com, the house belonged to local resident Raju Khan and was being used as an illegal firecracker manufacturing unit. Highly inflammable materials stored inside triggered the blast, causing the structure to collapse. The incident has revived a familiar debate about safety norms in the business.
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh: A massive explosion occurred in a two-storey house in Paigambarpur, under the Sarnath police station area of Varanasi, causing the entire building to collapse. According to preliminary information, an illegal firecracker manufacturing unit was operating inside the house. The explosion is suspected to have occurred due to highly inflammable materials on the premises. Two people were injured in the incident and have been taken to hospital for treatment.
— IANS (@ians_india) October 15, 2026
Teams from the NDRF, SDRF, fire department, and medical units rushed to the spot to launch immediate rescue operations.
ALSO READ: Four Workers Dead In Boiler Explosion After Chemical Factory Catches Fire In Gujarat's Gandhinagar
"Three individuals—two children and one woman—were recovered and immediately hospitalised for further medical treatment. NDRF and SDRF teams have conducted an initial search, which indicates that no one else remains trapped. Nevertheless, as a precautionary measure, we will conduct a thorough re-check," news agency ANI quoted Additional Commissioner of Police (Law & Order) Shivhari Meena as saying.
#WATCH | Varanasi, UP: Additional Commissioner of Police, Law & Order, Shivhari Meena says, "Information was received regarding the collapse of a house near the old bridge in the Sarnath police station area... Teams from the NDRF, SDRF, fire services, and other rescue units—including ambulances and medical teams—also reached the site promptly to carry out rescue and relief operations. Three individuals—two children and one woman—were recovered and immediately hospitalized for further medical treatment. Inquiries were made with the surrounding residents regarding other family members; during this process, it was noted that an eyewitness reported seeing the woman being pulled out from the debris. Furthermore, the NDRF and SDRF teams have conducted an initial search, which indicates that no one else remains trapped. Nevertheless, as a precautionary measure, we will conduct a thorough re-check to ensure the site is clear. The police will also complete all necessary legal formalities. Prima facie, there are reports suggesting that firecrackers were being manufactured or stored here; we are currently verifying this. Only one house was directly affected, though some neighboring homes sustained minor damage. There is no other significant damage, but we are proceeding with the remaining necessary actions..."
— ANI (@ANI) October 15, 2026
He added that while only one house was directly affected, a few neighboring properties sustained minor damage. Police are verifying reports regarding the illegal manufacturing or storage of firecrackers.
CM Yogi Directs Immediate Relief Operations
Taking cognisance of the incident, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed senior officials to reach the site immediately and expedite relief operations.
The Chief Minister also instructed authorities to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured and contact their families to provide all possible state assistance.
4 Migrant Workers Killed In Gujarat Factory Blast
In a separate incident on Thursday, four migrant workers were killed when a boiler exploded following a fire at Kovika Colour Company in the Chhatral GIDC industrial area of Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
The explosion occurred with a loud bang in the afternoon after a blaze broke out inside the facility. Rescue teams, along with local police and the sub-divisional officer, rushed to the site to launch relief operations.
"Four people were dead in a boiler explosion at Kovika Colour Company in Chhatral GIDC, where a fire broke out," said Gandhinagar Superintendent of Police Ravi Teja Vasamsetty.
(With Inputs From Agencies)