Six killed, more than 10 injured in Himachal cracker factory blast

At least six people died and 10 to 15 others were reported to have sustained severe burn injuries in an explosion that took place in a cracker factory. Rescue operation at the blast site has begun.

Una (Himachal Pradesh): At least six people died and 10 to 15 others were reported to have sustained severe burn injuries in an explosion that took place in a cracker factory. Rescue operation at the blast site has begun. As per information received so far the explosion occurred in a cracker factory at Tahliwal in the Haroli area of Himachal Pradesh. The injured have been admitted to a hospital in Una.

The injured included nine women, they said, adding that 11 who were in serious condition were shifted to the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh.

Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur directed the Divisional Commissioner to inquire into the incident and submit a report within a week. The state government announced Rs four lakh assistance to the next of kin of each of the deceased, the officials said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi condoled the loss of lives and said Rs two lakh each from Prime Minister's National Relief Fund (PMNRF) would be given to the families of those killed in the incident. A sum of Rs. 50,000 would be given to each of the injured.

Una Deputy Commissioner Raghav Sharma told PTI that the incident occurred in the Bathu industrial area in Haroli tehsil of Una district and the victims are migrant labourers from other states.

He said strict action will be taken against officials who allowed the illegal factory to run. Efforts are on to apprehend the factory owners, Superintendent of Police Arjit Sen told reporters.

Sharma said information regarding the factory was being verified by the police and industries department.

With agency inputs