Explosion in UP’s Bhadohi Kills 13, Some Suspected to Be Trapped

Locals claimed the owner of the shop where the explosion took place was involved in making illegal firecrackers.

The blast took place at the shop in Rohta Bazaar in Bhadohi.

(Photo: PTI)

Thirteen people were killed and six injured in an explosion at a shop on Saturday afternoon, 23 February, which also led to the collapse of three adjacent houses, officials said.

It is suspected that some people are still trapped under the debris and a rescue operation has been launched, they said.

The blast took place at the shop in Rohta Bazaar. Kaliyar Mansoori, who used to run the shop, is among the 10 deceased. His son was running a carpet factory behind the shop and its workers could be among those trapped under the debris, District Magistrate Rajendra Prasad said.

Locals claimed that Mansoori was also in the business of making illegal firecrackers.

Besides Kaliyar Mansoor, three deceased have been identified as Irfan Mansoori, Abid Mansoori and Chandu, while efforts were on to identify the other six. The injured have been admitted to hospital, the district magistrate said.

Earth-moving equipment has been pressed into service to carry out relief and rescue works. Teams of forensic experts, NDRF and senior district officials have reached the site, he said.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has expressed grief over the loss of lives in the incident and directed the district officials to ensure proper treatment of the injured, a spokesperson said in Lucknow.

Superintendent of Police Rajesh S said SHO of Chauri police station Ajay Kumar Singh, and police chowki in-charge Pramod Kumar Verma have been placed under suspension.

Mamata Condoles Deaths, Says 9 of Those Killed Were From Malda

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, meanwhile, expressed grief over the death of the 13 people.

Nine of those killed in the blast were from Malda district in West Bengal, she said.

"My condolences to the families of the 10 people killed in Varanasi. Nine of those who lost their lives in this tragedy are from Malda," Banerjee wrote on her Twitter handle when the death toll was less.

The chief minister said the state police were assisting family members of the deceased in bringing back the bodies.

Two state ministers, Firhad Hakim and Shuvendu Adhikari, were rushing to Malda, she said.

(With inputs from ANI, PTI)