- About 15 fire trucks put out an intense fire in Harda.
- Up to 300 people worked in the factory, says a senior official.
- In India, explosions often occur in illegal firecracker workshops.
At least seven people were killed and 75 injured Tuesday in a massive explosion at a fireworks factory in Harda, Madhya Pradesh, India, according to officials. AFP reported.
Indian broadcasters showed videos and images of a tower in flames after a fireworks plant exploded, with dozens of ambulances sent to evacuate the injured. Army helicopters were also called in.
“So far we can confirm seven deaths,” said an official at Harda district hospital, who asked not to be identified because he was not authorized to speak to the media. “We have 65 injured people admitted here and we have referred another 10 to a larger hospital.”
According to senior district official Kailash Chand Parte, who was coordinating rescue efforts from the factory, around 15 fire engines were battling the fierce blaze.
“At least eight people suffered very serious injuries… We are here at the scene and we are concentrating on rescue efforts and sending people to hospitals, so we cannot immediately confirm the death toll,” Parte said. AFP.
“So far we have managed to rescue between 70 and 75 people with various injuries. All of them have been rushed to local government hospitals.”
He said between 200 and 300 people worked at the factory, but it was not known how many were inside at the time of the explosion.
“At least 10 buildings around the complex where the explosion occurred have been damaged due to the intensity of the explosion,” he added. “The fire is not yet under control and we have around 15 fire trucks and many first responders on scene.”
Explosions often occur in illegal firecracker workshops in India.
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav called reports of the explosion “very sad news” and said doctors in the burn units of nearby major hospitals had been asked to “make necessary preparations.”
