An explosion at an illegal fireworks factory in India's northern state of Uttar Pradesh has killed 13 people and injured five others, authorities said, after the death toll rose from an earlier count of 11.

The blast occurred in Kaushambi district, where a powerful explosion triggered a fire and caused the collapse of several nearby houses in a densely populated neighborhood.

Officials said many of those killed were residents living near the factory rather than workers inside the facility. The five injured victims remain hospitalized, while rescue teams completed searches through the debris.

Illegal factory under investigation

Authorities said the fireworks unit was operating illegally from a residential building. Police have launched a criminal investigation into the incident and arrested the factory owner after a search operation. Investigators are also examining whether local officials failed to enforce licensing and safety regulations.

The force of the explosion flattened or severely damaged several nearby homes, complicating rescue efforts and highlighting the risks posed by unauthorized fireworks manufacturing in residential areas.

Safety concerns

Deadly explosions at illegal fireworks factories occur periodically in India despite strict regulations governing the manufacture and storage of explosive materials. The latest incident has renewed scrutiny of safety enforcement in Uttar Pradesh, where authorities have previously uncovered several unlicensed fireworks units operating in residential neighborhoods.

Authorities said the cause of the explosion remains under investigation.(ILKHA)