Fatehpur: A two-storey house collapsed following a powerful explosion at the residence of a fruit trader in the Malwan police station area of Uttar Pradesh’s Fatehpur district on Monday evening, killing four people and injuring three others.
One of the injured is in critical condition and has been placed on a ventilator after suffering burns over more than 90 per cent of his body.
According to the police, information about the incident was received through PRV at around 5:30 p.m., following which local police rushed to the spot.
However, the narrow lane leading to the house prevented a fire brigade vehicle from reaching the site.
A rescue operation was subsequently launched with the help of a JCB to clear the debris.
Around 16 personnel from the police and fire department, assisted by local residents, searched the rubble for survivors.
Seven people were eventually pulled out from the debris and taken to the Medical College in Fatehpur, where doctors declared four of them dead.
Fatehpur Superintendent of Police (SP) Abhimanyu Manglik said seven people had been rescued from the collapsed structure, of whom four had died.
He said one person had suffered burns over more than 90 per cent of his body and was in an extremely critical condition. The other two injured persons were said to be out of danger.
The Fatehpur SP said preliminary questioning of people present at the spot suggested that the explosion may have been caused by a gas cylinder.
Four gas cylinders were found at the site, with two reportedly having exploded.
However, the exact cause of the blast has not yet been established.
Forensic and Fire Department teams are examining the site to ascertain the circumstances that led to the explosion.
The blast caused the upper two floors of the main house to collapse.
Beams of some neighbouring houses were also damaged, although no casualties were reported there.
The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has also been called in to assist with the rescue operation.
Arrangements are being made for adequate lighting at the site to enable debris-clearing operations through the night.
The electricity department and local authorities have arranged lighting, while additional high-powered lights will be brought in if required.
Meanwhile, the condition of the house owner, Suresh alias Dhunnar Gupta, also deteriorated after he went into shock following the incident. He was provided medical assistance.
Police and administrative teams remain at the site, while an investigation is underway to determine why and under what circumstances the explosion occurred.
(IANS)
