At least 25 killed in firecracker factory blast in India as rescue teams battle inferno

At least 25 people have been killed in a powerful explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit in India, in one of the deadliest industrial accidents in recent months, according to local officials and emergency services.

The blast occurred at a fireworks facility in a densely industrial area where workers were reportedly handling explosive materials when the incident took place. The force of the explosion caused part of the building to collapse, triggering a major fire and trapping workers inside.

Emergency responders rushed to the scene as thick smoke and secondary explosions from stored firecracker materials complicated rescue efforts. Firefighters battled flames for hours while search teams recovered bodies from the debris and attempted to locate survivors.

Local authorities said the death toll reached at least 25 after several injured workers succumbed to their injuries in hospital. Dozens more have been injured, some critically, and are receiving treatment in nearby medical facilities.

Police have launched an investigation into the cause of the explosion, including whether safety regulations were followed at the site. Officials are also examining licensing and storage conditions at the facility, as such factories are required to adhere to strict explosive-handling rules.

Industrial accidents involving fireworks manufacturing are a recurring concern in parts of India, where rapid production demands and enforcement gaps have previously contributed to similar tragedies. A series of past incidents have raised ongoing questions about workplace safety standards and oversight in the sector.

As families gather outside hospitals and authorities continue identification efforts, the focus remains on recovery operations and determining how the deadly blast occurred.

Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.