At least eight people were killed and several others injured in an explosion followed by hug fire at a firecracker factory in Madhya Pradesh's Dewas district on Thursday, May 14. According to the Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, several casualties were reported in the blast at the firecracker factory located in Tonk Kala.
The incident occurred at around 11:30 a.m. on Thursday. As per the situation, casualties could rise as many people received serious burn injuries. According to information, the explosion was so powerful that body parts were reportedly scattered 20 to 25 feet away. It is reported that around 200 women were working in the factory at the time of the blast.
CM Mohan Yadav said that he has directed the district in-charge and Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda, the Home Secretary, and senior officials to reach the incident site. "Orders for an investigation into the incident have also been issued."
Madhya Pradesh CM announced financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh each to the families of the deceased and to ensure free treatment for the injured. " I pray to Baba Mahakal for peace for the departed souls, strength for the grieving families to bear their sorrow, and swift recovery for those injured in the accident," CM Mohan Yadav wrote in a post on X.
The explosion also spread panic in the surrounding area, as people gathered outside the factory after hearing the loud bang. The exact cause of the blast is not yet known. Authorities are expected to launch an investigation after the rescue operation is complete.
"A fire broke out at an under construction firecracker factory located in Tonk Khurd Tehsil in Dewas district in which 15 people were injured and two persons died. All the injured have been referred to Indore for treatment," said Rituraj Singh, Dewas Collector.
He added that the administration kept a close eye on the site and doused the fire completely. The teams were engaged in disposing off the remaining gunpowder at the site and everything is under control.