MP: 11 killed, 60 injured in fire at firecrackers factory
What's the story
At least 11 people were killed and 60 others injured after a fire broke out in a firecracker factory in Bairagarh village in Harda district of Madhya Pradesh.
The toll is expected to go up as many workers are still feared trapped within the premises, reports said.
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has been deployed at the scene for rescue operations.
Twitter Post
Watch: Blast at firecracker factory
VIDEO | Blast at a firecracker factory in Harda, Madhya Pradesh. More details are awaited. pic.twitter.com/MtdLjUFrQJ
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) February 6, 2024
Rescue operations
Nearby buildings also engulfed by fire
The fire in the factory led to a series of explosions and the blaze spread beyond the unit
Nearby buildings have also been engulfed by the fire that started in the factory, reports said.
Officials said, multiple fire tenders have been pressed into service to contain the blaze and authorities are at the scene to assess the situation.
Twitter Post
Watch: Fire tenders pressed into service
#WATCH | Madhya Pradesh: People injured in the massive fire that broke out in a firecracker factory in Harda, are being shifted to a hospital for treatment. Fire tenders have reached the spot, several people are feared trapped. pic.twitter.com/rwEzdIUUJX
— ANI (@ANI) February 6, 2024
Statement
CM Mohan Yadav takes stock of the situation
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has directed senior officials to reach the site via a helicopter to take stock of the situation.
A special team led by state minister Uday Pratap Singh has been formed for the same.
Medical colleges in Bhopal and Indore have also been directed to make necessary preparations to handle potential casualties.
Firefighting efforts
NDRF called to assist in rescue operation: Official
The government said it was dispatching fire brigades from Indore and Bhopal to assist in firefighting efforts and rescue operations.
The administration has also sought National Disaster Response Force's (NDRF) help, District Collector Rishi Garg said.
About 150 workers were on the premises when the incident took place, a factory worker, who managed to escape told NDTV.
History
Similar incidents in Tamil Nadu, Bengal
Similar firecracker factors fires and explosions have taken place in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal.
In October 2023, at least 27 people were killed in a series of explosions at many firecracker factories in Tamil Nadu.
Last year, there were two firecracker factory fires in Bengal's Medinipur and North 24 Parganas districts.