Watch: Firecracker Factory Blast In MP's Harda, 9 Killed, 200 Hurt, PM Announces Compensation

The rescue operation was being carried out by the NDRF, SDRF personnel from nearby districts, along with the fire brigade teams from Harda, Betul, Khandwa, and Narmadapuram.

New Delhi: A tragedy struck on Tuesday morning when a firecracker factory operating illegally in Bairagarh village of Harda district caught fire, killing nine people and injuring 200 others, officials said. The fire, which broke out at 11:30 am, triggered a massive explosion that shook the entire area and shattered the windowpanes of nearby houses and shops. Locals said that it felt like an earthquake had hit the town. PM Narendra Modi announced Rs 2 lakhs from PMNRF to the next of kin of each deceased and Rs. 50,000 for the injured.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav took swift action and directed Cabinet Minister Uday Pratap Singh, DG Home Guard Arvind Kumar, and ACS Ajit Kesari to rush to the site by helicopter. He also announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh for the families of the deceased and free treatment for the injured. He said that the government was trying to control the fire and provide immediate assistance to the victims.

“Six people have died and more than 50 people are injured in this incident. Over 50 ambulances were sent to the spot. Our minister, Uday Pratap Singh, DG Home and around 400 police officials have left for the spot. We are trying to control the fire and provide immediate assistance to the injured,” CM Yadav said..

#BreakingNews : मध्य प्रदेश के हरदा में पटाखा फैक्ट्री में धमाका और लगी भीषण आग, धमाके में 3 लोगों की मौत और 40 हुए घायल #MadhyaPradesh #FireBreakout #MassiveFire@priyasi90 pic.twitter.com/6O1nASHh3m — Zee News (@ZeeNews) February 6, 2024

The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, but officials suspect that the factory was storing and manufacturing firecrackers in violation of safety norms. The police have launched an investigation into the matter and registered a case against the owner of the factory.

Harda Collector Rishi Garg said that the injured were admitted to Harda district hospital and arrangements were being made to shift the critically injured to Bhopal and Indore for better treatment. He said that the rescue operation was being carried out by the personnel of the NDRF and the SDRF from nearby districts, along with the fire brigade teams from Harda, Betul, Khandwa, and Narmadapuram.

CM Yadav also sought details of the fire information from senior officials and posted on X, “A sad news was received about a fire at a firecracker factory in Harda. Cabinet Minister Uday Pratap Singh and senior officers are reaching the incident site. Medical colleges in Bhopal and Indore and burn units in AIIMS Bhopal have been asked to make necessary arrangements. Besides, fire brigades are also being sent from Indore and Bhopal to the spot.”

The incident has raised questions about the safety and regulation of firecracker factories in the state, especially ahead of the upcoming festivals.