Nagaur: At least two people were burned to death and two others critically injured in an explosion at a gunpowder manufacturing unit in Rajasthan’s Nagaur district on Thursday morning.
The blast occurred at around 9:40 a.m. in the Badli area, triggering fears that more workers could still be trapped inside the premises. The explosion was so powerful that its sound was heard nearly half a kilometre away, triggering panic among local residents.
Police and fire brigade teams rushed to the spot and launched rescue operations. According to preliminary information, the warehouse belongs to a person identified as Amin.
The exact cause of the explosion has not yet been ascertained. More details and the official version are awaited.
Two young men died on the spot, while two others were found critically injured during the rescue operation. Their identities have not yet been established.
A stock of finished firecrackers was also found in one section of the warehouse where the explosion occurred. Local residents said gunpowder is manufactured at the facility by mixing potassium nitrate.
Soon after receiving information about the incident, fire brigade teams and Kotwali police rushed to the spot. Firefighters immediately launched efforts to bring the blaze under control, while police personnel took charge of relief and rescue operations.
According to preliminary information, a fire broke out among firecrackers and quickly intensified, eventually triggering a massive explosion. More casualties and extensive property damage are feared in the incident.
Meanwhile, official confirmation regarding the exact cause of the explosions, the identities of those feared dead, and the extent of the damage is still awaited.
Locals said that the owner has a valid permanent licence for firecracker-related activities. However, there is no official information yet about the authorised storage capacity under the licence or the exact quantity of firecrackers and potassium nitrate stored at the premises.
Rescue teams are trying to establish how many workers were present inside the warehouse when the explosion occurred. Authorities have not ruled out the possibility of more casualties as search and rescue operations continue.
(IANS)
