Blast in fire-cracker unit kills 23 in Batala of Gurdaspur

22:25 September 04

Death toll rises to 23

Death toll in fire at Batala fire-crackers factory rose to 23 and the number of people injured in the incident rose to 20.

Rescue operations still underway.

20:10 September 04

President expresses condolences to the bereaved families

"Saddened to learn about the loss of lives due to an explosion at a firecracker factory in Batala, Punjab. Condolences to bereaved families impacted by this tragedy and wishing an early recovery to those injured," tweeted Kovind.

20:08 September 04

Punjab CM announces ex-gratia grant of Rs. 2 lakhs for the kin of the deceased in the blast

Chief Minister of Punjab, Capt. Amarinder Singh tweeted, "Deeply anguished to learn of the loss of lives due to the blast in the firecracker factory in Batala. Rescue operations are underway with the DC & SSP heading the relief efforts."

Singh ordered a magisterial inquiry into the matter.

Punjab CM also announced an ex-gratia grant of Rs. 2 lakhs for the kin of the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the seven severely injured, who were referred to Amritsar Medical College. He has also announced Rs. 25,000 for those with minor injuries.

20:04 September 04

Gurdaspur MP Sunny Deol condoles the deaths

MP for Gurdaspur Sunny Deol also condemned the incident tweeted, "Saddened to hear about the news of blast in Batala factory.NDRF teams and local administration has been rushed for rescue operation."

19:58 September 04

Blast in fire-cracker unit kills 19 in Batala of Gurdaspur

Gurdaspur (Punjab): A fire broke out at a fire-cracker factory in Batala in Punjab's Gurdaspur. The incident took place around 4 pm at the unit located in a residential area of the city.

Ambulances and fire tenders had rushed to the spot. Teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) have been deployed for the rescue operation. Senior officials of the district administration and police have also reached the spot to take stock of the situation.

At least 19 people were reportedly killed and 20 were injured. More people were feared trapped under the debris.

The cause of the blast is yet to be ascertained.