Five people were killed and at least 27 injured in a powerful explosion at a firecracker factory in Sri Muktsar Sahib late Thursday night. On Friday, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema clarified that the incident was not a bomb blast but a firecracker-related explosion and vowed strict enforcement of safety laws to prevent such tragedies in the future.
Speaking to the media, Cheema said, “It is not a bomb blast. It's a firecracker explosion. Some people have died. We express our condolences to their families. This should not happen in future. We will strictly enforce our Factories Act and other acts to prevent such incidents.”
The explosion caused the collapse of the factory building, leading to multiple casualties. The police reached the site early Friday morning and launched rescue operations. According to Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Akhil Chaudhary, “Five people died when the building collapsed following the explosion. Rescue operations are underway and the injured have been admitted to the hospital.”
When questioned about the cause, SSP Chaudhary said the blast appeared to be linked to firecracker materials stored at the site. “However, confirmation will come only after forensic examination. The team will investigate and provide clarity,” he added.
Chaudhary also revealed that the deceased were labourers who had recently joined the factory and were not local residents. “The factory had two operational units – one for manufacturing and another for packaging,” he said.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Jaspal Singh of Lambi division stated that around 50 workers were present at the time of the incident. “Five bodies have been recovered and 27 injured workers have been shifted to the hospital,” he said.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over safety compliance in firecracker manufacturing units in Punjab. Authorities have promised a thorough investigation and accountability for any lapses.
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