11 people, including several children, were killed and five others seriously injured after a massive explosion ripped through a firecracker factory in Uttar Pradesh’s Kaushambi district on Monday afternoon, officials said. The blast occurred at a unit in Manori village under the Pipri police station area.

The explosion was so powerful that it damaged the factory and nearby structures, with five to six adjoining houses collapsing in the impact. Officials said more than 18 people were suspected to have been injured, raising fears that the casualty count could increase as rescue teams continue searching the debris.

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Blast Triggers Major Rescue Operation

Kaushambi District Magistrate Amit Pal said 11 injured people who had been referred to SRN Hospital in Prayagraj succumbed to their injuries during treatment. Five others remain admitted at the hospital and are undergoing treatment.

The 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). Officials said all of them lived near the factory.

Police, fire brigade teams, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel were deployed at the site. More than a dozen fire tenders and around two dozen ambulances were rushed to the area, while over 50 Air Force personnel also joined the rescue effort.

Houses Collapsed, People Feared Trapped

Several nearby buildings also collapsed during the blast, scattering rubble across the region. Rescue officials are currently utilising 10 bulldozers and several excavators to sift through the debris and search for survivors still trapped within the buildings. 

Authorities fear there may be more victims trapped under the rubble and the death toll could rise further. The fire ignited following the blast has reportedly been contained.

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Kaushambi SP Satyanarayan Prajapat, Prayagraj Range IG Ajay Mishra and DM Amit Pal have also arrived on location to review the ongoing rescue mission. The Manori Air Force Station is situated about two km from the spot of the explosion. Authorities are continuing to clear the debris and search the affected structures for survivors.

CM Yogi Announces Financial Assistance

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed grief over the deaths and directed officials to ensure proper treatment for the injured and assistance to affected families.

In a post on X, the CM said, "The loss of life in the unfortunate incident in Kaushambi district is deeply saddening and heart-wrenching. My condolences are with the bereaved families."

He added that financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh each for the next of kin of those killed and Rs 50,000 each for the injured had been ordered.

"I pray to Lord Shri Ram to grant a place at His holy feet to the departed souls and a speedy recovery to the injured," the Chief Minister said.