NEW DELHI — At least three people, including two women and a child, were charred to death and seven others injured Saturday in an explosion inside an illegally-run firecracker factory in the northern Indian state of Haryana, police said.
The explosion that subsequently triggered a massive fire in the house took place in Ridhau village, Sonipat district of Haryana.
According to officials, the factory was being illegally run from a house in the middle of the residential area of the village.
“We received information that a blast took place inside a house in village Ridhau. On the spot, we found the material that is being used in making firecrackers. A forensic team has been called in. Some people told us that the blast was caused due to the bursting of a cooking gas cylinder. So far we have recovered three bodies that are completely charred and seven people in injured condition have been sent to hospital,” a police official said. “The owner of the house has been rounded up, and we are investigating the matter.”
Following the blast, authorities immediately rushed fire brigade teams to control the blaze and prevent it from spreading in the neighborhood.
Around 10 people were working in the factory at the time of the blast, reports said.
Accidental explosions are common at Indian firecracker factories and shops, as owners usually ignore safety standards.
XINHUA