Footage broadcasted on Indian television captured a towering inferno following the explosion at the firecracker plant on Tuesday, prompting the dispatch of numerous ambulances and the deployment of army helicopters to evacuate the wounded.
Rajeshwari Mahobia, a senior district police official, reported "eight deaths so far and around 80 injured" at the factory located in Harda, within the Madhya Pradesh state. Mahobia expressed concerns that the death toll might rise as the situation unfolds.
Reacting to the incident, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed profound sadness and assured that medical personnel at burn units in nearby major hospitals were mobilized to make necessary preparations. Yadav also announced the mobilization of ambulances from surrounding areas and contacted the army to arrange for helicopters.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi conveyed his distress over the loss of lives and pledged compensation of $2,400 to the families of those killed and $600 to the injured.
Dr. Manish Sharma, a surgeon at the Harda district hospital, revealed that the hospital had received numerous casualties, with eight fatalities recorded and 90 individuals admitted so far. Fifteen of the injured have been referred to a larger hospital for further treatment.
Rescue efforts are underway, with fire engines battling the fierce blaze. Kailash Chand Parte, a senior district official coordinating the rescue operations, stated that the fire was still not under control despite the presence of multiple fire engines and rescue teams at the site.
The exact number of individuals present inside the factory at the time of the explosion remains unclear. Abdul Raees Khan, a local police officer, reported casualties due to trampling during the panicked attempt to escape the flames, with rescue teams yet to reach the actual blast site due to ongoing fires. (ILKHA)