Industrial explosion

At least four people were killed and three others remain unaccounted for after a massive explosion ripped through a house where firecrackers were manufactured and stored in Bihar’s Siwan on Friday. Rescue operations were underway, with intermittent explosions hampering efforts to reach those who may still be trapped.According to preliminary information, firecrackers stored inside the house-cum-firecracker unit of local resident Mohammad Amiruddin Mian caught fire, triggering a series of explosions. Mian is said to be a firecracker trader.Siwan Superintendent of Police (SP) Bharat Soni confirmed four deaths and said authorities were trying to ascertain the whereabouts of three other members of the family who were reportedly inside the house when the incident occurred.The flames spread to other firecrackers stored on the premises, leading to repeated explosions in the thickly populated area.The intensity of the blasts was such that the front portion of the house collapsed, with debris spilling onto the road. The explosions continued intermittently for nearly two hours, triggering panic and chaos in the surrounding area."Four deaths have been confirmed. However, according to the village head, there were seven members of the family inside the house. We are yet to ascertain the status of the remaining three. Explosions are continuing intermittently, which is hampering rescue efforts," the SP said.Reports also suggest that some bodies may have been severely mutilated in the explosions, making identification difficult.SP Soni said a medical team had reached the spot to verify the casualty figures, while a Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team would collect samples to establish further details about the incident.
"Only after the medical team’s confirmation will we be able to provide an accurate count. Our FSL team has also arrived and will collect samples. We will be able to confirm further details after the examination,” he added.Fire and emergency services, medical teams, the electricity department, police personnel and administrative officials have reached the site. The area has been cordoned off, with authorities also coordinating with local public representatives.
Police have urged villagers to maintain a distance of at least 200 metres from the site because of the explosives stored inside the premises and the risk posed by continuing blasts.
QUESTIONS ON LICENCE, SAFETY COMPLIANCE
The Superintendent of Police said an FIR would be registered and the investigation would examine the source of the firecrackers, whether the necessary licences were in place and other aspects of the operation."At first glance, it is not yet possible to establish whether the operation was illegal. Local residents have told us that the family had an old licence and had been engaged in this business for around 20 years. However, these claims will have to be verified," he said.The SP added that police had previously instructed Circle Officers (COs) and Station House Officers (SHOs) to conduct verification of such operations. The premises had reportedly been checked as part of that exercise."We will investigate whether there were any lapses in the verification process and action will be taken against anyone found responsible for any shortcomings," Soni said.Further details regarding the cause of the fire, the status of the three unaccounted-for family members and the circumstances surrounding the storage of firecrackers are awaited.