The aftermath of a massive blast at a firecracker factory in Harda, Madhya Pradesh, has left more than 100 people hospitalised and two missing. Pics/ PTI
Rescue operations have been underway since the explosion occurred, with efforts focused on locating the missing individuals and providing medical assistance to the injured.
The blast, which occurred at the factory located on Magardha Road in the Bairagarh locality, resulted in the deaths of 11 lives and left over 200 people injured.
Sub Divisional Officer of Police BS Maurya provided updates on the situation, reporting that 73 injured individuals were admitted to the district hospital, while 38 others were referred to hospitals in other cities for specialised treatment.
Despite the ongoing rescue efforts, two persons remain unaccounted for even as the SDRF and NDRF teams continuing the operations with a sense of urgency.
The owners of the firecracker plant were quickly detained by police and charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder, among other charges, as authorities sought to hold them accountable for the catastrophe.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav visited Harda to meet with the injured and the families of the deceased.
Meanwhile, the cause of the explosion is yet to be determined, with investigations ongoing to ascertain the circumstances leading to fire.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and devastation, with body parts scattered and nearby vehicles damaged by the force of the explosion.
The state government has initiated a comprehensive inquiry into the incident, with a three-member committee tasked with conducting a thorough investigation and identifying any lapses in safety protocols.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences for the lives lost in the blast and announced financial assistance from the Prime Minister National Relief Fund for the families of the deceased and the injured.
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