What led to the blast at an illegal firecracker factory in Punjab's Muktsar?
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Synopsis
A devastating blast in an illegal firecracker factory in Muktsar, Punjab, has claimed five lives and injured 34 others. The incident raises serious concerns about safety regulations and illegal operations in the region. Learn more about the factory's background, the victims, and the ongoing rescue efforts.
Key Takeaways
- Five people died and 34 were injured in the explosion.
- The blast occurred at an illegal firecracker factory in Muktsar.
- Most victims were migrants from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
- Rescue operations are ongoing to recover survivors.
- The factory was operating without permission under the Explosives Rules.
Chandigarh, May 30 (NationPress) Tragically, at least five individuals lost their lives and 34 others sustained injuries on Friday due to an explosion at a double-storey illegal firecracker factory situated on the outskirts of a village in Punjab’s Muktsar district, as reported by the police.
The majority of the victims were migrants hailing from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
This factory, owned by Tarsem Singh, who is linked with the state-ruling AAP, in Singhwala village, was completely destroyed by the force of the explosion, trapping numerous individuals beneath the debris.
The police indicated that the blast happened at midnight. The injured were immediately transported to nearby hospitals, including the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bathinda, where most were reported to be out of danger.
Senior Superintendent of Police, Akhil Chaudhary, stated that the explosion took place in one of the rooms of the manufacturing unit, causing the roof to collapse.
Many individuals were trapped under the rubble, prompting rescue operations to commence swiftly after police received reports of the incident.
Deputy Superintendent of Police Jaspal Singh confirmed that five bodies had been retrieved from the ruins, while 29 injured persons were rushed to AIIMS Bathinda and local hospitals in Muktsar.
Rescue teams continued to work diligently at the site, clearing debris and searching for any additional survivors.
While the precise cause of the explosion is still under investigation, preliminary findings suggest that it was triggered by potash used in the production of firecrackers.
Muktsar’s Deputy Commissioner Abhijit Kaplish informed the media that no licenses were issued to the manufacturing unit in accordance with the Explosives Rules of 2008.
“An application was submitted by the owners, but reports were pending from various departments, hence no permission was granted,” he clarified.
At the scene, scattered shoes, shattered glass, and vehicles littered the area as rescuers sifted through the wreckage in search of survivors.
Sukhbir Badal, the chief of Shiromani Akali Dal, has called for an investigation into the incident and urged the government to quickly provide adequate compensation to the victims' families.
Describing the event as unfortunate, Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Khudian emphasized that the factory owner is a supporter of the AAP, but this does not excuse any illegal actions.
“The law will take its own course,” he remarked.
In 2020, an explosion in a similar illegal firecracker factory in Punjab’s Batala resulted in 23 fatalities and 27 injuries. The factory was producing and storing firecrackers for a religious procession celebrating the birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism.
A similar incident occurred in Batala in January 2017, which resulted in one death and three injuries.
Point of View
I stand with the nation in seeking justice for the victims of this tragic event. The loss of life and the impact on the community highlight the urgent need for stricter regulations and oversight in industries that pose risks to public safety. It's crucial that we hold those responsible accountable and prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.
NationPress
08/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the explosion at the firecracker factory?
Preliminary investigations suggest that the explosion was triggered by potash used in the manufacturing of firecrackers.
How many people were affected by the incident?
The explosion resulted in five fatalities and 34 injuries.
What actions are being taken following the explosion?
Rescue operations are ongoing, and calls for an investigation and accountability are being made by local leaders.
Was the factory operating legally?
No, the factory was operating illegally without the necessary permissions under the Explosives Rules of 2008.
What has the government said about the incident?
The government officials have expressed condolences and emphasized the need for strict enforcement of safety regulations.
