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A catastrophic explosion at a sugar factory in the industrial belt of Uttar Pradesh on Tuesday afternoon has left at least 15 dead and over 30 injured, with several others feared trapped under debris. The sudden blast, which originated in the boiler room, sent shockwaves through the surrounding area, reducing parts of the factory to rubble and igniting fires that raged for hours.
The explosion happened at about 2:30 PM while workers were doing their usual tasks. People nearby said they heard a very loud bang, and then saw thick, black smoke filling the sky. Within minutes, workers started running to safety, and emergency teams quickly arrived at the scene.
Officials have said the explosion started in the boiler room, probably because of too much pressure. But they are still looking into the exact reason. The fire that broke out after the explosion made it harder for rescuers to help, and firefighters worked for hours to stop the flames from reaching nearby buildings.
Rescue teams have been sent to the area and are working hard to find survivors in the wreckage. So far, more than 15 bodies have been found, and 30 injured workers have been taken to nearby hospitals, with many in serious condition. Officials are worried that the number of deaths could increase as they clear the debris.
“We are doing everything we can to save those who are trapped and to help the injured,” said District Magistrate Prakash Sharma. “Our main focus is to keep all workers safe and to find out what caused this terrible accident.”
The factory, which is one of the biggest employers in the area, has always been very important for the local economy. The accident has deeply affected the community, and many families are worriedly waiting for updates about their loved ones. Schools and markets nearby have been shut down temporarily as a safety measure because of the air pollution caused by the smoke.
Rahul Verma, a shop owner in the area, said, “The explosion was so loud that it made the windows of my shop shake. People ran out in fear, not understanding what was going on. It’s a terrible situation for our town.”
The Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh has expressed grief over the tragedy and announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹5 lakh to the families of the deceased and ₹50,000 for the injured. He has also ordered a high-level inquiry into the incident to identify lapses in safety protocols and prevent future occurrences.
This disaster serves as a stark reminder of the importance of workplace safety in industrial operations. Experts have pointed out the need for regular inspections and stricter adherence to safety norms, especially in high-risk facilities like sugar factories.
As the rescue efforts continue, the tragedy at the sugar factory stands as a painful chapter for the affected families and a call for accountability in ensuring the safety of industrial workers.
BY – NIKITA
