Blast at illegal firecracker unit in Lucknow; 4 of a family dead, more feared trapped

LUCKNOW: A powerful explosion ripped through an illegal firecracker factory in Lucknow’s Gudamba area on Sunday, killing four members of a family and leaving several others feared trapped under the debris.The deceased have been identified as firecracker trader Alam, his wife, and their two sons, who died instantly in the blast. The explosion was so intense that it blew apart the factory walls, reducing the premises to rubble.Locals reported hearing the deafening blast from a considerable distance.Teams of police, fire brigade, and disaster response units rushed to the spot.Six fire tenders and multiple ambulances have been deployed as rescue operations continue to clear the debris.Officials said more victims may be trapped inside.Preliminary investigations suggest the blast was triggered by gunpowder stored in the illegal unit.However, police have not ruled out the possibility of a cylinder explosion.The factory’s ownership, licensing status, and source of explosives are now under probe.Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed grief over the deaths and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family.

He directed officials to ensure proper treatment for the injured and ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident. The CM also instructed authorities to expedite relief and rescue operations at the site.“The Chief Minister has taken serious note of the accident and directed officials to provide all possible assistance to the victims’ families,” a government spokesperson said.Meanwhile, panic spread in the locality as rescue teams worked through the mangled structure, with locals assisting in pulling survivors from the rubble.Police have cordoned off the area, and forensic teams are examining the site to ascertain the exact cause of the blast.