A powerful explosion at a suspected illegal firecracker manufacturing unit in Bihar’s Araria district late Friday night damaged a residential house and triggered panic in the area. Several people are feared to have been injured, although police have not yet confirmed the exact number of casualties.
The blast took place at a house in Muslim Tola under Bhargama police station. According to police, the explosion occurred while explosives were allegedly being moved in sacks inside the residential building, which belonged to a man identified as Mohmmad Akhtar.
The force of the blast was strong enough to cause significant damage to the house. Residents of nearby homes were alarmed by the explosion and several families reportedly fled the area soon afterwards.
Local residents said that at least six people were inside the house when the explosion occurred and that they were injured. Some of those injured are believed to be in critical condition. However, authorities have not yet confirmed these claims.
Araria Superintendent of Police Jitendra Kumar said police teams were searching for the people who were reportedly inside the house at the time of the blast. He said officers searched several private and government hospitals but had not been able to locate them.
“We searched for them at almost all private as well as government hospitals but didn’t find them,” the SP said.
Police have also begun investigating the circumstances surrounding the explosion and the alleged storage and handling of explosive material at the residential premises.
A bomb disposal squad and a team from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) reached the site following the incident. Officials are examining the damaged building and collecting evidence to determine what caused the blast and the nature of the material involved.
The incident has also raised questions about the alleged operation of a firecracker manufacturing facility inside a residential area. Police are examining whether explosive materials were being stored or transported illegally at the premises.
The family linked to the house has reportedly gone missing following the explosion. The SP said police would register a case against the family members who are currently untraceable.
Authorities are continuing their investigation and efforts to establish the whereabouts of those who may have been present inside the house when the blast occurred.
The exact number of injured people and the severity of their injuries remain unclear. Police are expected to provide further details as the investigation progresses.
The incident remains under investigation, and officials are yet to confirm whether anyone has died in the explosion.
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