5 Killed, 29 Injured in Massive Blast at Firecracker Factory in Punjab’s Muktsar

Punjab : In a tragic incident, five migrant labourers lost their lives and at least 29 others sustained injuries in a powerful explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Singhewala village, located in the Muktsar district of Punjab, near the Haryana border. The blast occurred in the early hours of Thursday, leaving behind a trail of devastation and sparking concerns over safety standards in unregulated firecracker factories.

According to officials, the factory employed several migrant workers, primarily from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, who were engaged in the production and packaging of firecrackers. The unit, reportedly operating in a congested area, was reduced to rubble following the explosion, which was heard several kilometers away.

Emergency response teams, including the fire department and police, rushed to the spot to carry out rescue operations. Eyewitnesses described scenes of chaos and panic as nearby residents tried to help pull people from the debris. The injured were taken to a nearby civil hospital, while some critically wounded victims were referred to hospitals in Bathinda and Faridkot for specialized treatment.

Deputy Commissioner of Muktsar Ruhee Dugg confirmed the death toll and stated that a probe is underway to ascertain the cause of the blast. “A forensic team has been deployed to examine the site. Preliminary reports suggest the mishandling of explosive materials might have triggered the explosion,” she said.

Initial investigations have also raised questions about the factory’s compliance with legal and safety norms. Authorities are verifying whether the unit had proper licenses and followed requisite safety protocols. Local residents alleged that the factory had been functioning for some time, and concerns had previously been raised about the unsafe handling of explosive substances.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed grief over the loss of lives and announced compensation for the families of the deceased and the injured. “A high-level inquiry has been ordered. Strict action will be taken against those found guilty of negligence or illegal operations,” he said in a statement.