13 die in UP explosion, two officials suspended

Tribune News Service
Lucknow, February 23

At least 13 persons were killed and six injured in an explosion inside a firecracker trader’s house at Rohta village in Bhadohi today afternoon. 

Such was the intensity of the blast that the entire house was reduced to rubble. The blast also forced cracks in the neighbouring houses. It is suspected that some people are still trapped under the debris.

Among the dead is the factory owner, his three relatives and labourers of the unit.

After a preliminary investigation, Bhadohi Superintendent of Police Rajesh S has suspended chowki in-charge Pramod Pandey and inspector Ajay Singh for the negligence of duty and carelessness. 

Bhadohi District Magistrate (DM) Rajendra Prasad said an NDRF team is conducting the rescue operation. The ATS and a bomb disposal squad are also on the site.

IG Piyush Srivastava said prima facie, it appears the explosion was caused due to a stockpile of firecrackers kept in the house.

The DM said that it was a matter of investigation to find out if the trader had a proper licence to manufacture firecrackers.

The Varanasi-Bhadohi road was cordoned off following the incident and JCB machines were pressed into action to clear debris, the officer said.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has expressed grief over the loss of lives in the incident and directed the district officials to ensure proper treatment of the injured, a spokesperson said here.

(With agency inputs)