A devastating fire at a firecracker factory in Harda, Madhya Pradesh, on Tuesday claimed 11 lives, leaving around 60 others injured. The incident unfolded as a series of explosions rocked the factory, triggering a fierce blaze that engulfed the premises. Rescue operations are currently underway, with officials expressing concerns about more people still trapped within the rubble.
Tragic Incident Unfolds in Harda
The tragedy struck the Bairagarh locality on Magardha road, where a firecracker factory experienced multiple explosions, followed by a raging fire. The intensity of the blasts was such that people in the nearby Seoni Malwa area in the Narmadapuram district reported feeling tremors.
Scary Visuals: Blasts In Madhya Pradesh Crackers Factory, #Harda pic.twitter.com/jc7P3Z6Krt
— A D V A I T H (@SankiPagalAwara) February 6, 2024
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Multiple Explosions and Fierce Blaze
A video of the incident has surfaced, showcasing the magnitude of the explosions. The footage, captured by commuters on the road across the fields of the factory, depicts multiple blasts followed by a fierce blaze. The fire eventually affected the commuters on the road as the flames grew more intense.
हरदा घटना का पहला वीडियो जिसे बनाने वाला युवक भी घायल हुआ है….
धमाके में बारूद की आग वीडियो बनाने वाले युवक तक पहुंची
अब तक 8 लोगो की मृत्यु की खबर है #Harda pic.twitter.com/E8dOtXuVu6
— Meenu Thakur (@JournoMeenu) February 6, 2024
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Government’s Response and Aid Efforts
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav held an emergency meeting with officials in response to the incident. In a post on X, the Chief Minister directed that providing immediate treatment to the injured is the top priority. Ambulances were rushed to Harda from surrounding areas, and the Army was contacted to arrange for helicopters.
हरदा स्थित पटाखा फैक्ट्री में हुई दुर्घटना हृदय विदारक है।
मुझे 6 लोगों की मृत्यु और 50 से ज्यादा लोगों के घायल होने की सूचना प्राप्त हुई है।
50 से ज्यादा एंबुलेंस तत्काल घटना स्थल के लिए रवाना कर दी गई हैं।
मैंने हेलीकॉप्टर के माध्यम से कैबिनेट मंत्री श्री @udaypratapmp जी… pic.twitter.com/CgIyKhWgjr
— Dr Mohan Yadav (@DrMohanYadav51) February 6, 2024
‘Distressed by the Loss of Lives,’ Says PM Modi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh from the Prime Minister’s National Relief Fund to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured will receive Rs. 50,000.
Distressed by the loss of lives due to the mishap at a cracker factory in Harda, Madhya Pradesh. Condolences to all those who have lost their loved ones. May those injured recover at the earliest. The local administration is assisting all those affected.
Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF…
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) February 6, 2024
Survivor’s Account Sheds Light on the Tragedy
A factory worker who managed to escape after the fire broke out shared that about 150 workers were on the premises when the incident took place.
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Rescue Operations Underway, Officials Fear More Trapped
Rescue operations are currently underway, with officials expressing concerns about more people still trapped under the debris. The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team has been called in to assist with the rescue efforts.
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