11 killed, 200 injured in Madhya Pradesh fireworks unit explosions; 3 detained
The firecracker factory blast in Harda, Madhya Pradesh, resulted in multiple fatalities and numerous injuries on Tuesday. Several videos of the incident have emerged
#BREAKING | A significant explosion at an unauthorized firework manufacturing facility in Harda district of #MadhyaPradesh has resulted in numerous fatalities. According to authorities, out of the approximately 25 individuals taken to the hospital, 4 have been pronounced dead.
"The casualties primarily occurred due to a stampede following the blast. Currently, we are unable to access the actual blast site due to an ongoing fire, and firefighters are diligently working to extinguish it," stated Abdul Raees Khan, the incharge of Harda Kotwali police station.
Key Events NEWS UPDATES
11:50 (IST) Feb 07
Debris removal continues by NDRF and SDRF teams The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams are actively working to clear the debris. Additionally, two individuals have been apprehended. The arrested suspects have been identified as Rajesh Aggarwal and Somesh Aggarwal. Harda Superintendent of Police Sanjeev Kanchan stated that they are interrogating another person in connection with the explosion. 11:38 (IST) Feb 07
As of now, there have been nine reported fatalities and nearly 200 individuals injured in the Harda incident. The injured individuals are now out of danger. Additional chief secretary (home) Sanjay Dubey 00:22 (IST) Feb 07
A tragic incident has occurred in Harda... My condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones. I pray for the swift recovery of those injured. May the departed souls rest in peace... Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia 22:20 (IST) Feb 06
MP factory fire: Rajesh Agrawal, the accused, has been arrested by the police The police have arrested three individuals, including the factory owner Rajesh Agrawal and the general manager, who are currently being questioned. 17:38 (IST) Feb 06
The Madhya Pradesh government has formed a 3-member committee to investigate the incident The state government has established a 3-member committee to determine the circumstances that led to this incident and hold the responsible officials accountable. 17:20 (IST) Feb 06
A deeply unfortunate incident has occurred in Harda. CM Mohan Yadav has taken immediate action, and efforts are underway to provide all possible assistance. Our ministers and district administration are present at the scene, closely monitoring the situation. My heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in this tragedy.
Bhopal: The Congress party walked out of the assembly on Thursday after the government rejected their demand for a judicial investigation into the Harda fireworks factory explosion.
CM Mohan Yadav assured the House that the investigation would be thorough and no one would be spared. However, the opposition argued that the probe committee, led by the principal secretary-home, would not be able to do justice as some Harda officials had allowed the factory to operate "in blatant violation of regulations."
In the debate on an adjournment motion, Congress legislator Ramniwas Rawat highlighted the lack of clarity on the number of workers present in the factory during the blast. He mentioned that the factory had a capacity of 500 and speculated that several workers may have been trapped in the basement. Rawat suggested that the casualty count could be much higher than the official toll of 12.
Congress MLA from Harda, Ram Kishore Dogre, claimed that there were 600 to 700 workers inside the factory at the time of the explosion. He questioned the whereabouts of the remaining workers, stating that most of the deceased listed on official records were from outside the factory.
School education minister Udai Pratap Singh shared that CM Yadav instructed him to visit the site immediately after learning about the tragedy. Singh mentioned that prompt arrangements were made to provide medical assistance to the injured and rescue those trapped in the debris.
Deputy leader of the opposition, Hemant Katare, relayed survivor accounts suggesting that there were 200-250 workers in the factory during the incident. He also expressed concerns that the factory may have been involved in the production of gelatin rods or military-grade explosives, rather than just firecrackers.
Recently, we also published articles on the following topics:
- NGT issuing notices to officials and factory owners regarding the Harda blast.