Siwan, 23 October (H.S.): At least five bodies have been recovered following a powerful explosion at a house in Alampur village in Bihar’s Siwan district, where firecrackers were reportedly being manufactured. The toll could rise, as additional people are feared to remain trapped beneath the debris.

Speaking to the media, Siwan Superintendent of Police Bharat Soni confirmed that five bodies had been recovered so far. He said other people might still be inside the damaged structure and that teams from the Health Department and the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) were examining the site. The exact number of casualties would be established after the investigation and assessment were completed.

According to local residents, five members of the same family were among those feared dead. They identified the firecracker trader as Amiruddin and said the victims included three of his granddaughters, one grandson and two workers. However, District Magistrate Vijay Prakash Meena and SP Bharat Soni said that only five bodies had been recovered at the time of their statements. Rescue teams were entering the damaged house to search for anyone else trapped beneath the rubble.

The explosion occurred at around 5.30 pm on Friday.

Eyewitnesses said the blast triggered panic throughout the village. The deafening explosions sent residents rushing out of their homes, while many initially struggled to determine where the blasts had occurred. It was subsequently learnt that the explosion had taken place inside the house of firecracker trader Amiruddin.

According to preliminary accounts, firecrackers were being manufactured inside the house as usual on Friday when a fire suddenly broke out, triggering a series of explosions. The repeated blasts severely damaged the front portion of the building. The force of the explosion was so intense that three bodies were reportedly thrown outside the house and were badly mutilated. The scene was described as horrific, leaving the village gripped by fear.

## Police, fire and forensic teams deployed

SP Bharat Soni said police personnel, fire and emergency services, medical teams and electricity department officials had reached the spot. An FSL team was also collecting samples and other evidence to help establish the circumstances surrounding the explosion.

The area has been cordoned off as a precautionary measure. Residents have been asked to remain at least 200 metres away from the site because intermittent explosions were still being heard.

The SP said a first information report (FIR) would be registered and the incident investigated. Investigators will examine where the explosive materials used in firecracker manufacturing were sourced and whether the people involved held valid licences to conduct the business.

Residents said those associated with the firecracker trade had previously held licences and had been engaged in the business for around 20 years. However, the validity and current status of the licences remain to be verified.

Soni added that the relevant authorities had earlier been instructed to verify the licences and activities of people involved in the firecracker trade. If the verification reveals irregularities or negligence, action will be taken against those found responsible.

For now, the administration’s immediate priorities are to secure the site, determine whether any additional victims remain trapped and complete rescue and relief operations. The final casualty figure and the cause of the explosion are yet to be conclusively established.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar