Faisal Fareed
Daijiworld Media Network - Lucknow

Lucknow, Oct 25: Nine people including six from one family were killed and a dozen injured in an explosion at an illegal cracker manufacturing unit at Maharajganj district around 250 kms from Lucknow on Tuesday.

The incident occured at the house of one Mazhar Ali who was engaged in manufacturing crackers for Diwali season. He engaged his whole family and other labours so as to earn some extra bucks to meet the orders. Officials stated that the cracker manufacturing unit was illegal.

On Tuesday morning a powerful explosion occured in the house where the crackers were being manufactured. The explosion was so powerful that the whole house was turned into rubbles with the ceiling ripped apart.

The inmates were buried in the debris. Neighbours rushed to the scene and started rescue operation while fire tenders reached the site a bit late.

After removing the debris Mazhar Ali (55), his 50-year-old wife Ayesha, 35-year-old son Mubarak Ali, 30-year-old daughter Shamidul and 28-year-old daughter Hamidul and 6-month old grand-daughter Afsana were found buried.

Three more identified as Jitendra, Naumi Nath and Dileep also perished in the incident.