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<p data-start="84" data-end="326"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">A powerful blast at an illegal firecracker factory in Singhwala village on the outskirts of Punjab&rsquo;s Muktsar district claimed at least five lives and injured 34 others late Thursday night, according to police reports.</span></p>
<p data-start="328" data-end="577"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Most of the victims were migrant workers from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. The factory, a double-storey structure owned by Tarsem Singh, was completely destroyed in the explosion. Singh is reported to be associated with the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).</span></p>
<p data-start="579" data-end="929"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Senior Superintendent of Police Akhil Chaudhary stated that the blast occurred in one of the rooms used for manufacturing firecrackers, leading to a roof collapse that trapped many under the debris. Rescue teams responded promptly and rushed the injured to nearby hospitals, including AIIMS Bathinda. Most of the injured are reportedly out of danger.</span></p>
<p data-start="931" data-end="1187"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Deputy Superintendent of Police Jaspal Singh confirmed the recovery of five bodies and said 29 of the injured were being treated at hospitals in Muktsar and Bathinda. Rescue operations are ongoing to clear the rubble and search for any remaining survivors.</span></p>
<p data-start="1189" data-end="1323"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Preliminary investigations indicate that the blast may have been caused by potash, a chemical used in the manufacture of firecrackers.</span></p>
<p data-start="1325" data-end="1583"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Muktsar Deputy Commissioner Abhijit Kaplish revealed that the unit had not been granted permission to operate under the Explosives Rules of 2008. He noted that although an application had been submitted, approvals from various departments were still pending.</span></p>
<p data-start="1585" data-end="1727"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">The blast site was strewn with broken glass, scattered footwear, and damaged vehicles, while rescuers continued their efforts amid the debris.</span></p>
<p data-start="1729" data-end="1898"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal called for a thorough investigation and urged the government to ensure adequate compensation for the victims' families.</span></p>
<p data-start="1900" data-end="2142"><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Khudian described the incident as tragic, stating that while the factory owner may be a supporter of the AAP, this offered no justification for illegal activity. &ldquo;The law will take its own course,&rdquo; he said.</span></p>
<p data-start="2144" data-end="2335" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node=""><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">The tragedy echoes previous incidents in the state, including a 2020 explosion in Batala that killed 23 and injured 27, and a 2017 blast in the same town that left one dead and three injured.&nbsp;</span><br><br></p>
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A powerful blast at an illegal firecracker factory

Illegal unit in Muktsar explodes, injures 34; rescue ops on as officials confirm no license granted

5 Dead in Punjab Firecracker Factory Blast

Illegal unit in Muktsar explodes, injures 34; rescue ops on as officials confirm no license granted

May 30, 2025 | 13:35 IST