Uttar Pradesh: Two dead in explosion at Saharanpur firecracker factory
Saharanpur, July 25
Two workers lost their lives following a sudden and powerful explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit located inside Kunda Basi village within the Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh.
Police and the local administration rushed to the site, prompting an immediate search operation to identify the type of firecracker involved.
Speaking with the reporters, Saharanpur District Magistrate and Collector, Arvind Kumar Chauhan, confirmed the details of the events and explained that local law enforcement and administrative teams were immediately mobilised to secure the area and launch a thorough probe.
"An explosion occurred at a firecracker factory in Kunda Basi village...Two workers died in the explosion. The police and the administration are searching...An investigation is underway to determine the type of firecracker involved," he said.
Earlier this week in a separate incident, at least 14 women workers were hospitalised following an ammonia gas leak at a meat processing plant in Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur district on Tuesday afternoon, officials said.
The incident occurred at around 1:00 pm at ALM Industries Limited, located within the Gagalheri police station jurisdiction, where several women were engaged in packaging work. The sudden gas leakage triggered chaos and panic on the premises, causing several workers to suffer from breathing difficulties, anxiety, and dizziness, with a few fainting on the spot.
Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Sadar, Subodh Kumar, stated that the State Disaster Response Team (SDRT), along with local police led by Station House Officer (SHO) Dharmendra Singh and a fire brigade unit, rushed to the spot immediately upon receiving information.
"On July 21, at around 1:00 PM, information was received regarding a gas leak at Alom Industries Limited in the Gagalheri police station area. Preliminary investigation revealed an ammonia gas leak that affected 14 female workers whose health deteriorated. They were immediately admitted to a nearby hospital, and everyone is currently safe. Further legal action in the matter is underway," SDM Subodh Kumar told reporters.
Work at the processing plant was temporarily halted following the incident. Administrative authorities and concerned departments have launched a formal probe to ascertain the exact cause of the leak.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Two separate incidents in Saharanpur this week - first the gas leak at a meat plant, now this explosion. Hope the district administration takes action against unsafe industrial practices. Workers deserve better protection. #SafetyFirst
Sad but predictable. These illegal firecracker units operate with zero safety. The government should either regulate them properly or ban such hazardous industries near residential areas. Two lives lost for some crackers 🕯️
Condolences to the families. But let's be honest - these incidents keep happening because shop floor safety is ignored until tragedy strikes. The DM says investigation is ongoing, but real change will only come when factories face consequences before accidents happen.
First the ammonia leak affecting 14 women workers, now this explosion. Saharanpur seems to have a pattern of industrial negligence. The SDRT response is good, but prevention is better than cure. Hope the probe finds the root cause. 🚨
Heartbreaking news. Two labourers gone just like that. These small units don't even have basic fire extinguishers or emergency exits. The authorities should also check if the factory was properly licensed. R.I.P. to the deceased.
This is what happens
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.