11 killed in firecracker factory blast in northern India

Indian health workers retrieving a body from the rubble, following an Aug 31 explosion at a firecracker factory in India’s Uttar Pradesh state. - Photo: EPA

HYDERABAD, (India): (Bernama) At least 11 people were killed in an explosion in a firecracker factory in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh on Monday (Aug 31).

The incident happened in the district of Kaushambi, about 200 kilometres from the state capital Lucknow.

"Eleven people have been reported dead and five injured," Kaushambi district magistrate Amit Pal told the media.

Rescue personnel working at the site of the explosion on Aug 31 in India’s Uttar Pradesh state. - Photo: EPA

Twenty-five workers were reported to be inside the factory when the blast took place.

The loss of lives is "extremely heartbreaking", Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath said in a post on X and announced that a financial aid of 200,000 rupees (about RM8,450) be paid to the families of each person who died in the blast. - Bernama