Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi takes cognisance of firecracker factory explosion in Firozabad; NDRF carries out rescue operation

Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], September 17 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took cognisance of the explosion incident that occurred at a firecracker factory located in a house in Firozabad's Naushera.
Notably, four people were killed and several were injured in the explosion on Tuesday. Several people are feared to be trapped under rubble, said police.
CM Yogi has instructed the district administration officials to immediately hospitalise the injured and ensure their proper treatment. He has also wished for the speedy recovery of the injured.
He has directed the officials of the district administration to reach the spot and expedite the relief work. The NDRF team along with sniffer dogs has reached the explosion site to carry out rescue operations.
Earlier, Firozabad District Magistrate Ramesh Ranjan said, "The rescue team is present at the spot. District hospital and sub-district hospital, both are on high alert...team of doctors, ambulance, fire team, disaster team, all are present at the spot," Firozabad District Magistrate Ramesh Ranjan said.
Deepak Kumar IG Agra Range stated, "In the Shikohabad PS area, firecrackers were stored at a house and a blast occurred there. Due to the impact of the blast, the roof of a nearby house collapsed. Police took out 10 people from the debris...6 people are undergoing treatment at a hospital and 4 people have died...further rescue operation is still underway."

An eyewitness Manju Lata told ANI that the police knew about the firecrackers getting manufactured here and everyone knew that an incident like this could happen but officials were given bribes to avoid any actions. "The firecrackers were getting manufactured here. 16 houses have been fully damaged. Everyone knew that this was going to happen. Every time police were given bribes," she said.

Another eyewitness stated that 5 km of area had been affected by the explosion. Adding to that he said, "Several complaints were made regarding the firecracker factory but the police were given bribes and no action was initiated."
More details are awaited. (ANI)