MP Factory Explosion: Death Toll Stands at 9, CM Yadav To Visit Blast Site Tomorrow

At least 9 people were killed and nearly 200 others injured in a major fire that broke out in a firecracker factory in Bairagarh village of Madhya Pradesh’s Harda district on Tuesday. The rescue operation is on and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) is on the spot with the ambulances. FOLLOW LIVE UPDATES ON MP FACTORY BLAST

All the injured have been admitted to the hospital, and a few are critical, Harda District Magistrate, Rishi Garg said. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav met all the injured in a hospital in Bhopal and instructed that the best possible treatment is provided to all the victims.

Some videos of the incident surfaced on social media showing a major fire with intermittent explosions taking place at the site and people running to save themselves.

Small Explosion Sill On

The blasts were so strong that vibrations were felt after. A few dead bodies were thrown on the road due to the impact of the explosion. Fire also spread to nearby houses.

As per Harda MLA Kamal Patel, small explosions are still on at the site.

100 Ambulance Sent To Harda

A green corridor was made between Harda and Bhopal.

Over 100 ambulances were dispatched to Harda from nearby districts. Victims are being shifted to Bhopal’s Hamidia Hospital, AIIMS and Indore’s MY Hospital.

CM Announces Ex Gratia

Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav spoke to the officials concerned and sought details of the incident. CM also announced an ex gratia of Rs 4 Lakh for the deceased.

The CM also directed Minister Uday Pratap Singh, Additional Chief Secretary Ajit Kesari and Director General Home Guard Arvind Kumar to rush to Harda by helicopter. At least 14 doctors have also been sent to the explosion site.

Burn units at hospitals in Indore, Bhopal and the AIIMS in Bhopal were also directed to make necessary arrangements for any emergency. More fire brigades were also rushed from Indore and Bhopal to tackle the blaze.

The chief minister has also called a meeting in connection with the incident.

As per media reports, the explosions were so strong that its tremors were also felt in the nearby Seoni Malwa area of ​​Narmadapuram.

PM Modi Announced Compensation for Victims

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced Rs 2 lakh compensation to the family of each deceased and Rs 50,000 to injured people. He also expressed his condolences to the families of those who lost their loved ones in the explosion.

CM Yadav to Visit Harda Blast site Tomorrow

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister said that he will visit the Harda firecracker factory blast site on Wednesday after attending the assembly session.

Addressing the media, after meeting the injured in Bhopal, CM Yadav said, “Out of the 12 patients brought here, one has lost life. There are 11 patients as of now. Two are undergoing an operation. I met 9 patients. The rescue operations are underway. I have asked for an inspection report of similar places from all the districts.”

“I will go to the spot tomorrow after the assembly session. We have ordered an inquiry. We will take an action which they will remember,” he added.

Reactions

Meanwhile, senior Congress leader and former CM Kamal Nath expressed concern over the incident. “The painful news of an explosion in a firecracker factory in Harda, fire in nearby houses and casualties of many people is coming to light. I pray to God that the relief workers get quick success,” he said in a post on X.

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said the state government is keeping an eye on the situation and is ready to provide the best health facilities to the injured.

Former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan also expressed grief over the death of 9 people in the incident and said that CM Mohan Yadav took swift action.

“All possible relief measures are being given. CM is monitoring this continuously. Government is making all its efforts,” he said.