Firecracker factory blows up in Harda, MP; 11 dead, over 200 injured, several houses gutted (WATCH)

At least 11 individuals have lost their lives and over 200 others were injured in a firecracker factory explosion in Harda, Madhya Pradesh. The explosion, which occurred in the Bairagarh locality of Harda district, resulted in the destruction of approximately sixty nearby houses and impacted over three dozen commuters. Authorities have evacuated more than 100 houses as a precautionary measure in response to the ongoing explosions at the factory. Moreover, a considerable number of two-wheelers were caught in the ensuing flames caused by the explosion.

Local reports said that the impact of the explosions could be felt kilometres away. Sanjeev Kanchan, the Superintendent of Police (SP) in Harda, reported, "A major explosion occurred at the factory on Tuesday morning, resulting in the entire city being blanketed in black smoke. Upon receiving the alert, fire brigade vehicles were dispatched to the scene. The cause of the fire remains unknown at this time. Ambulances and fire engines have been summoned from Harda, Betul, Khandwa, and Narmadapuram.". The firecracker factory is situated on Magardha Road. People were also seen running to safety following the incident. The injured are being shifted to a hospital for treatment. 

Officials have briefed Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav, who immediately instructed Cabinet Minister Uday Pratap Singh, ACS Shri Ajit Kesari, DG Home Guard to immediately go to Harda by helicopter. Teams from the National Disaster Relief Force, State Disaster Relief Force and fire brigades and ambulances from nearby cities have been dispatched. 

Madhya Pradesh's Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla expressed deep sorrow over the unfortunate incident, stating, "It is a sad and regrettable occurrence. Those found responsible after the investigation will face consequences."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi shared his condolences on X, expressing distress over the loss of lives in the tragic accident at a firecracker factory in Harda, Madhya Pradesh. He extended sympathies to the families of the deceased and wished for the speedy recovery of the injured. The Prime Minister also announced financial assistance of Rs. 2 lakh from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund for the next of kin of each deceased individual, with Rs. 50,000 to be provided to the injured.

Harda firecracker factory explosion: Aerial footage of blast that jolted like earthquake

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