At least eight people were killed and around 20 others injured after a powerful explosion rocked a house where firecrackers were reportedly being manufactured in Uttar Pradesh's Kaushambi district on Monday.
Explosion triggers village panic
The incident took place in Mehmadpur village under the Pipari Police Station jurisdiction, near the Prayagraj-Kaushambi border. The impact of the explosion was reportedly so powerful that the sound was heard up to two kilometres away, triggering panic across the village.
According to initial reports, firecrackers were being manufactured at a house located some distance away from the residential area when the explosion occurred. The blast completely destroyed the house, reducing it to rubble. Cracks were also reportedly seen in several nearby houses due to the intensity of the explosion.
Villagers launch rescue efforts
Villagers rushed to the site after hearing the deafening blast and launched immediate rescue efforts. Several injured persons were reportedly taken to hospital through fields by local residents before emergency teams reached the spot.
Police and administrative teams were deployed to the area and launched rescue and relief operations. Personnel from neighbouring Prayagraj were also sent to the site following information about the explosion, while ACP Dhoomanganj Ravi Gupta reached the area along with police teams.
Authorities investigate blast
Authorities evacuated the surrounding area as a precaution while rescue operations continued.
