11 Killed In Massive Explosion At Firecracker Warehouse In UP's Kaushambi
Officials are searching through debris for people who may be trapped, while the administration works to determine the final casualty figures.
Published : August 31, 2026 at 2:11 PM IST
|Updated : August 31, 2026 at 8:29 PM IST
Kaushambi: At least 11 people were killed after a massive explosion took place at a firecracker warehouse on the border of Pipri and Puramufti police station areas in Uttar Pradesh's Kaushambi on Monday, officials said.
It also caused panic in the area and damaged several nearby houses. The explosion occurred around 11 AM at a firecracker warehouse reportedly operating under the name Aditya, located on the border of the Pipri and Puramufti police station areas.
10 of the deceased have been identified as Priyanjali (5), Praveen Singh (13), Jhanvi (12), Aditya (12), Ravi (8), Gyan Singh (40), Aditya (8), Anju (32), Vikram Saroj (35), Ansh (6).
The blast was reportedly so powerful that it damaged several houses in the surrounding area, and some were destroyed. The explosion triggered panic and chaos among residents.
Rescue Operation
Following the incident, cries and panic were reported at the site. Police and administrative officials immediately reached the spot after receiving information about the explosion.
Rescue teams launched an operation after reports suggested people might be trapped under the debris. Fire brigades from all three tehsils of the district have also been called to the site.
Circle Officer Shivank Singh said that sounds of explosions were heard after a house caught fire in Manouri market.
"After receiving information about the incident, the police team reached the spot and started relief and rescue operations. Fire brigades from all three tehsils of the district have been called to the site. The exact number of casualties will become clear later. Relief and rescue operations are currently underway," Singh said.
Police and administration have increased security at the site, with rescue operations currently the priority. Officials are also investigating the cause of the explosion and determining how many firecrackers were stored inside the warehouse.
Following the explosion, the Bareilly district administration has been put on high alert. Instructions have been issued to conduct a special inspection of the security arrangements of all licensed establishments involved in the storage, manufacture, and sale of firecrackers in the district.
Additional District Magistrate (City) Dr Avinash Tripathi stated that, on the District Magistrate's instructions, all Sub-District Magistrates and the Deputy Superintendents of Police of the respective areas will jointly inspect establishments involved in the firecracker business. This campaign is scheduled to be completed within the next three days.
During the inspections, the team of officials will verify whether firecrackers are being stored within the prescribed capacity and regulations. They will also closely examine the provisions of the Explosives Act, firefighting systems, the availability of fire extinguishers, emergency exits, and other safety measures.
The officials have been instructed to prepare a joint report detailing any deficiencies identified during the inspections and the compliance status of safety standards and submit it to the district administration within the stipulated time.
The administration has also taken an important decision regarding the firecracker business. The Additional District Magistrate (City) clarified that no new licenses will be issued to any fireworks establishment until further orders. Additionally, renewals of existing licenses will also be halted for the time being.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya have expressed condolences. CM Yogi has announced compensation, including financial assistance of ₹2 lakh each for the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 each for the injured.
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