Watch: CCTV footage shows the impact of Batala blast

Explosion at a firecracker factory in Batala, Punjab claimed around 23 lives. More people were feared trapped under the debris. The cause of the blast is yet to be ascertained.

Gurdaspur (Punjab): A fire broke out at a fire-cracker factory in Batala in Punjab's Gurdaspur on Wednesday. The incident took place at around 4 pm at the unit located in a residential area of the city, and the CCTV footages have since emerged, showing the feed during the blast.

At least 23 people were reportedly killed and around 20 were injured. More people were feared trapped under the debris.

Teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were been deployed for the rescue operation. Senior officials of the district administration and police took stock of the situation.

The cause of the blast is yet to be ascertained.

Chief Minister of Punjab, Capt. Amarinder Singh 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.

Singh also ordered a magisterial inquiry into the matter.

Read: Blast in fire-cracker unit kills 23 in Batala of Gurdasp