A heartbreaking tragedy occurred on Thursday, May 29, when around 1:30 a massive explosion went off at a firecracker factory located at Pind Singhewala in Lambi, Sri Muktsar Sahib, Punjab. In the catastrophe, four people were killed, and twenty-five others are assumed to be severely injured. Based on reports, the explosion was so powerful that it obliterated the entire double-storey factory building and engulfed some workers in the debris. Villagers living nearby were severely frightened as they experienced the blast several kilometers away.
Currently, the Police are on the site with rescue crews. They have been trying to clear the site and look for survivors. So far, three corpses have been uncovered, with many workers still trying to get to safety. Luckily, the injured workers are getting immediate treatment at AIIMS, situated in Bathinda. The factory was situated between Singhewala and Futuhiyawala and employed approximately forty people as workers. A major chunk of the workforce was from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
The incident of the explosion occurred in the late night hours when the majority of workers were resting next to the factory. Most witnesses were traumatized and struggled to cope with the explosion that came after the building crumbled as if it were a deck of cards.
Authorities believe that the blast was triggered by the detonation of prepared firecrackers stored in multiple boxes inside the factory. The incident has raised serious concerns about safety protocols and the storage of explosive materials in such units.
Local administration and police have taken the incident very seriously and have launched a thorough investigation. Further actions shall take place in accordance with the investigation reports. The relief and rescue force is at work to remove the debris while ensuring the safety of any injured workers.