New Delhi, 06 February : In a tragic incident in Harda district of Madhya Pradesh, eleven individuals lost their lives while more than 50 sustained serious injuries following a massive explosion at a firecracker factory situated in Bairagarh village.
Concerns persist as some are feared to be trapped within the premises, prompting the deployment of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) for evacuation efforts, as per officials.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his condolences, announcing compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the families of each deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured.
Distressed by the loss of lives due to the mishap at a cracker factory in Harda, Madhya Pradesh. Condolences to all those who have lost their loved ones. May those injured recover at the earliest. The local administration is assisting all those affected.
Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF…
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 6, 2024
The blast not only razed the factory but also engulfed nearby structures, casting thick plumes of smoke and flames into the sky, raising concerns for the safety of local residents. With initial reports hinting at numerous injuries and possible entrapments, the exact toll remains uncertain as rescue operations continue actively.
Emergency services are swiftly transporting the wounded to hospitals for treatment, with recent updates confirming three fatalities and 40 injuries. Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has sought updates from officials, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
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
Harda Collector Rishi Garg has confirmed six deaths and 59 injuries, stating that the injured are receiving treatment at the District Hospital, while those with severe injuries are being transferred to facilities in Bhopal and Indore. Both SDRF and NDRF teams have been mobilized for assistance.
This tragic incident recalls similar past disasters, such as the series of explosions at firecracker units in Tamil Nadu in October 2023, where 27 lives were lost.
