A massive explosion ripped through an illegal firecracker factory in Sarai Barai village under the Tikaitnagar police station area on Thursday, killing two people and leaving three others critically injured.
The blast triggered a fire that quickly spread to nearby houses, sparking panic across the locality. Residents rushed out of their homes as thick smoke engulfed the area.
Firefighters battled the blaze for hours before bringing it under control. Rescue teams continued operations late into the day, searching for survivors and assessing damage.
Authorities confirmed that the identities of the deceased have not yet been established. The injured victims are currently receiving treatment in the hospital and remain in critical condition.
Local police have begun investigating the cause of the explosion and the scale of illegal activity at the site. Officials indicated that strict action will follow against those responsible for running the unlicensed factory.
The incident highlights ongoing safety concerns around illegal firecracker units in Uttar Pradesh, which often operate without proper licenses or safety measures, putting lives at risk.
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