Chandigarh, September 4: Twenty-three people were killed and 27 others injured in a series of blasts that rocked a firecracker manufacturing unit located near Balmiki Ashram in Batala on Jalandhar road in the heart of the city on Wednesday afternoon.
Have ordered a magisterial probe into the Batala firecracker factory blast. My prayers & thoughts are with the family members of the deceased and I wish a speedy recovery to those injured. I have announced an ex-gratia grant for those injured & the kin of deceased.
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) September 4, 2019
Several people are feared trapped under the debris. Rescue operations are still underway.
Inspector General (Border Range) SPS Parmar said that the blast took place around 4 pm at the factory. The firecracker factory is located in a residential area.
Also Read: Magisterial probe ordered by CM into Batala firecracker factory blast
Earlier, Batala Senior Medical Officer Sanjiv Bhalla said, “A total 18 people have died in the blast.” Around 14 people have been reported seriously injured. Out of the 14, four have been referred to the Amritsar government hospital.
A few nearby buildings were also damaged in the blast.
Deeply anguished to learn of the loss of lives due to the blast in the firecracker factory in Batala. Rescue operations are underway with the DC & SSP heading the relief efforts.
— Capt.Amarinder Singh (@capt_amarinder) September 4, 2019
President Ram Nath Kovind expressed grief over the loss of lives in the blast. “Saddened to learn about the loss of lives due to an explosion at a firecracker factory in Batala, Punjab. Condolences to bereaved families impacted by this tragedy and wishing an early recovery to those injured,” he said in a tweet.
Vice President Venkaiah Naidu also expressed his sadness over the incident. “Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in an explosion in a firecracker factory in Gurdaspur, Punjab today. My condolences to the bereaved families and wishes for speedy recovery of the injured,” he said.
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