Chandigarh, May 30(HS): Five artisans died and 25 others were injured in an explosion that occurred at a firework factory in Muktsar Sahib, Punjab, at night. The injured have been admitted to nearby hospitals and Bathinda AIIMS. The administration has confirmed the deaths of five artisans but has not released their details. The explosion completely demolished the building, and two individuals are reported missing. This firework factory, located on the Singhewala-Fatuhiwala road in Muktsar, is said to be linked to a worker of the ruling party.

A powerful explosion occurred in the making unit around 1:30 AM, causing the two-story building to collapse. Preliminary investigations revealed that the factory owner had contracted Rajkumar from Hathras, Uttar Pradesh, to work on firework manufacturing. His people worked here, most of whom lived in the factory. According to eyewitnesses, a large number of packed firecrackers were stored in boxes at the scene, and a vehicle containing empty boxes from the same company was parked there. The vehicle was scheduled to be unloaded this morning. Police and fire brigade teams arrived immediately after receiving news of the explosion. Following reports of artisans being trapped under the debris, NDRF teams were also called in. The police have cordoned off the area from all sides. Relief work has been ongoing since last night.

DSP Jaspal Singh stated that Killianwali police station in-charge Karamjit Kaur and other staff are investigating the matter. So far, the bodies of five individuals have been recovered from the rubble, while there is no news of two individuals. Approximately 25 people have been hospitalized. The factory is registered in the name of Tarsim Singh.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar