11 killed in explosion at factory in India

At least 11 people were killed and five others seriously injured in an explosion at a fireworks factory in Kaushambi district of Uttar Pradesh, India. According to local administrative officials, cited by the Hindustan Times, the tragic incident occurred on Monday (August 31) afternoon.

Kaushambi District Magistrate (DM) Amit Pal told the media that the explosion occurred at a fireworks factory in Manori village under the Pisri police station area. The injured were later rescued and taken to SRN Hospital in Prayagraj. Eleven people died while undergoing treatment there. The condition of five others receiving treatment at the hospital remains critical.

Officials said all the deceased lived in areas adjacent to the factory. Given the intensity of the explosion, authorities fear that the death toll could rise further. At least 18 other people were also injured.

Following the explosion, train services on the nearby Delhi-Howrah railway line were suspended for about an hour as a safety precaution. The Ajmer-Sealdah Express reached close to the accident site but was later turned back to Manori Railway Station. Meanwhile, the Vande Bharat Express travelling from Delhi to Varanasi was stopped at Saiyad Sarawan, the station before the accident sit. 

MT