11 dead as firecracker factory blast flattens houses near Prayagraj-Kaushambi Border

PRAYAGRAJ: At least 11 people died and five others injured after a massive explosion ripped through a firecracker manufacturing unit on the Prayagraj-Kaushambi border on Monday, officials said.The blast took place in the Pipri police station area near Manori power house. Police, fire brigade personnel and teams from the nearby Air Force station joined a joint rescue operation following the explosion.The impact of the blast extended beyond the factory, damaging several structures in the vicinity. Five to six houses located close to the unit collapsed, while windows of several other homes were shattered. Debris from the explosion was scattered across the area.The Manori Air Force Station is located around 2km from the site. Personnel from the Air Force, police and fire services from both Kaushambi and Prayagraj were deployed for rescue and relief operations, according to the district administration.Preliminary information suggests that the firecracker manufacturing unit was operating from a house located some distance from the main settlement. Several people were inside the premises when the incident occurred.According to officials, a fire broke out inside the unit, triggering a series of explosions as stored firecrackers began detonating one after another. The continuing blasts initially made it difficult for rescue personnel to approach the site.Eyewitnesses said smoke was first seen emerging from the house before a sudden series of explosions followed. The blasts were heard across a wide area and sent a thick cloud of smoke over the locality.The force of the explosions damaged nearby houses and shattered glass windows. Parts of the structure and other debris were thrown over a wide area.With explosions continuing for some time, police restricted the movement of people around the site to keep residents and rescue personnel away from the danger zone.Rescue and relief operations continued as authorities assessed the extent of the damage.Stay updated with the latest Prayagraj news. Download the TOI App.