Siwan/Patna: Four people were killed in a powerful explosion at a house where firecrackers were being manufactured in Alampur village of Bihar’s Siwan district on Friday evening. Several others are feared trapped under the debris, and the death toll could rise, officials said.
The explosion occurred at around 5pm within the jurisdiction of Jamo Bazar police station. The blast blew off the roof and caused a large portion of the house to collapse.
The district administration confirmed four deaths. The deceased include the homeowner, Amiruddin Ahmed, 70, and two children, Khushboo, 10, and Asad, 8. The identity of the fourth victim has not yet been established.
According to local residents, more than seven people, including family members and labourers involved in making firecrackers, were inside the house when the explosion occurred.
Repeated Explosions Hamper Rescue Efforts
The blast triggered panic in Alampur and neighbouring villages. Residents said the explosion was heard from a considerable distance and damaged nearby houses.
Intermittent explosions reportedly continued for around three hours after the initial blast, making it difficult for people to approach the damaged structure. Villagers also reported hearing cries from inside the house.
Several people are feared trapped beneath the rubble. A child belonging to a neighbouring family, identified as that of Firoz Ahmed, has also been reported missing. Authorities have not yet confirmed the number of missing or injured people.
More than 20 fire tenders were deployed to control the blaze and secure the site as rescue operations continued under the supervision of senior police and administrative officials.
Senior Officials Reach The Spot
Deputy Inspector General Nilesh Kumar, District Magistrate Vijay Prakash Meena and Superintendent of Police Bharat Soni reached the site after receiving information about the explosion.
Police personnel from around half a dozen local police stations were deployed. The village was cordoned off, and searches were conducted in several nearby houses.
A forensic team also reached the site to collect evidence. Rescue operations and investigations are being conducted simultaneously to establish the cause of the explosion and determine whether anyone else remains trapped.
Jamo Bazar SHO, Chowkidar Suspended
The administration has suspended Jamo Bazar station house officer Dheeraj Kumar and the concerned village chowkidar following the incident.
An investigation team led by the Maharajganj sub-divisional police officer has also been constituted to examine the circumstances of the explosion and fix accountability.
SP Bharat Soni confirmed the four deaths and said the toll could increase. He said investigators were examining the cause of the blast, the validity of any licence for manufacturing firecrackers at the premises and compliance with safety requirements.
Questions Over Firecracker Manufacturing
Villagers said firecrackers had been manufactured in several houses in Alampur for around 20 years. On Friday evening, gunpowder is believed to have caught fire at Ahmed’s house, triggering the explosion. The precise cause has not yet been officially established.
The incident has raised questions about the authorisation of firecracker manufacturing, the storage of gunpowder and compliance with safety standards in the village.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the house had a valid licence for manufacturing firecrackers.
For now, the priority remains the search for people feared trapped under the debris, alongside efforts to establish the cause of the explosion and determine whether further casualties have occurred.
