Daijiworld Media Network - Saharanpur

Saharanpur, Jul 25: Two migrant workers were killed and two others went missing after a powerful explosion ripped through a licensed fireworks factory in the Gangoh area of Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur district on Friday afternoon.

According to police, 23 labourers from Madhya Pradesh were employed at the factory when the blast occurred.

The deceased have been identified as Deepraj Devde (23) and Sandeep (25), both natives of Madhya Pradesh. Search operations were continuing for Akash Rawat (22) and Rahul alias Lalu (24), who remained missing following the explosion.

Police suspect negligence may have led to the blast but said it would be premature to determine the exact cause until the investigation is completed.

Gangoh Station House Officer Indresh Kumar said the factory, located on the outskirts of Kunda Basi village, is owned by Hasan, a resident of Ghaziabad, and was operating with a valid licence. He said the explosion occurred while fireworks were being manufactured.

Fire and emergency personnel, along with forensic experts, reached the spot and collected evidence. Police have sealed the factory premises as part of the investigation.

Police said they received information about the explosion at the fireworks factory in Kunda Basi village under the Gangoh police station limits on Friday afternoon and are continuing efforts to determine the cause of the incident.