National News: In yet another tragic industrial disaster, a massive explosion tore through a firecracker factory located in Amroha’s Rajabpur police station limits, specifically in the village of Atrasi. The blast occurred while several women were working inside the factory. Within moments, a deafening noise echoed through the area, followed by thick plumes of smoke and screams. Locals rushed to the spot, only to find bodies scattered and many writhing in pain. Law enforcement teams reached the site soon after and cordoned off the area. The bodies of the deceased women have been sent for post-mortem, while the injured were rushed to nearby hospitals.
Women Workers Were Inside When Explosion Occurred
According to police officials, several women laborers were engaged in manufacturing firecrackers when the explosion happened. The cause of the blast is still under investigation, but early signs point toward negligence in handling explosive materials. The explosion was so intense that parts of the building collapsed instantly. The District Magistrate (DM), Superintendent of Police (SP), and a large police force reached the site immediately to supervise rescue and relief operations. The atmosphere in Atrasi village remains tense and fearful as families of victims mourn their loss.
Rescue Teams Continue Search Amid Debris
Even hours after the incident, rescue operations were underway as authorities feared more victims could be trapped under the rubble. Sniffer dogs and forensic teams were also brought in to assist in the investigation. The district administration has promised strict action if the factory is found to be operating without valid licenses or safety measures. Meanwhile, the memory of this explosion is eerily similar to past tragedies in nearby districts.
Past Explosions Still Haunt Uttar Pradesh
The Amroha tragedy mirrors a similar firecracker factory blast that took place in Deoband, Saharanpur, on April 26. In that explosion, three workers died when an illegal unit exploded near the Nihalkhedi village on State Highway-59. The blast was so powerful that the bodies were found up to 200 meters away. In another chilling incident from May 2022, an explosion in a firecracker unit in Sarsona village under Sarsawa police station limits also killed three people, including the factory owner.
When Will the System Wake Up?
These repeated tragedies underline the urgent need for better regulation and monitoring of firecracker factories across Uttar Pradesh. With lives being lost to preventable disasters, the big question remains — who is accountable, and when will action replace apologies?
