Muktsar, Punjab – A devastating explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Punjab’s Muktsar district late Thursday night has left five migrant workers dead and at least 34 others injured. The incident occurred in Singhewala village, located near the Haryana border.
The blast, which reduced the entire factory to rubble, reportedly occurred during active operations at the site. Most of the laborers at the facility were migrant workers involved in the production and packaging of fireworks.
Authorities suspect the explosion was accidental, triggered while work was underway. “The structure collapsed entirely due to the impact of the blast. Most of the casualties were caused by people being trapped under the debris rather than by the fire,” said Muktsar’s Superintendent of Police, Akhil Chaudhary.
Emergency response teams, including the fire brigade and local police, responded swiftly to the scene. “Five bodies have been recovered from the wreckage so far. Twenty-nine injured individuals have been taken to Muktsar Civil Hospital, several of whom are in critical condition,” confirmed Lambi DSP Jaspal Singh.
Rescue efforts are ongoing as officials continue to search the debris to ensure no one remains trapped. Meanwhile, a formal investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the explosion and whether safety protocols were being followed at the facility.
