At least ten people were killed and 16 injured in serial explosions in a crowded residential colony, Tatarpur in Bhagalpur, divisional headquarters, 250 kms west from Patna.
Explosions took place in the house of Mohammad Yusuf, who was running a crackers manufacturing unit at midnight and with the impact of the blasts, four adjoining houses were also razed to the grounds.
District administration apprehends more may be trapped in the debris.
Dr Ashim Kumar Das, superintendent of Jawahar Lal Nehru Medical College hospital said ten bodies have been sent to the mortuary. According to Dr Das, 16 injured in the blast are admitted in the hospital, condition of two is critical.
Pinki Kumari, who lost her father in the blast complained local residents had informed the police about illegal unit manufacturing explosions in the house, but police remained indifferent.
The incident took place barely 100 metres from Kotwali police station.
Interestingly, this is not the first time that the unit has faced a fire emergency and no precautionary measures were taken.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday spoke to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and said inquired about the explosions in Bhagalpur town.
PM Modi expressed his shock over the serial explosions late midnight and asked Nitish Kumar to expedite rescue and relief measures
Nitish Kumar gave details of the incident and said 12 people have died in the explosions. Others injured in the blasts are admitted in JNL medical College hospital and Mayaganj hospital. Debries are being cleared with JCB machines.
