Bhopal/Dewas, May 14 (IANS) Several persons were killed, and many others were injured in a massive explosion at a firecracker factory in Tonkkala in Madhya Pradesh’s Dewas district.

Some of the survivors were critically injured, police said, adding that they had been admitted to hospitals.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav expressed grief and wrote on his X handle, “The news of several people being killed or injured in the explosion at a firecracker factory in Tonk Kala, Dewas district, is heart-wrenching. I have directed the district in-charge and Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Devda ji, the Home Secretary, and senior officials to reach the incident site.”

He also wrote that orders for an investigation into the incident have been issued.

Instructions have been given to provide financial assistance of Rs 4 lakh each from the state government to the families of the deceased and to ensure free treatment for the injured. The injured have been referred to Indore for advanced treatment.

The blast was so powerful that it shook the entire locality, with nearby houses trembling under the impact.

According to reports, which described scenes of horror, as shreds of flesh and severed body parts were found scattered across the road, plunging the area into chaos and panic.

The explosion reduced a major portion of the factory to rubble, leaving behind mangled remains of the structure and triggering widespread fear among residents.

Locals recounted how the accident unfolded with terrifying force, followed by screams and pandemonium as people rushed to help the victims.

Police and fire brigade teams arrived swiftly, conducting rescue operations and working to extinguish the fire.

With the assistance of villagers, the injured were evacuated and admitted to hospitals.

In February, a similar incident happened in the Harda firecracker factory. At least 11 people died, and 149 were injured in the massive blast followed by a fire in the firecracker factory.

–IANS

sktr/dpb