A devastating explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Singhewala village, Muktsar district, claimed the lives of five migrant laborers and injured 29 others in the early hours of Friday.

The incident, which occurred around 1 a.m., caused the two-story factory on Singhawali-Kotli road, near the Haryana border, to collapse entirely.

The factory employed numerous migrant workers engaged in the production and packaging of firecrackers. Authorities suspect an unspecified explosion in the manufacturing area triggered the structural collapse. Muktsar Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Akhil Chaudhary stated, “Initial information indicates the blast occurred in the cracker manufacturing area for reasons yet to be determined. The building collapsed as a result, causing the casualties. Prima facie, it appears the deaths were due to structural damage rather than a fire.”

Lambi Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Jaspal Singh confirmed that five bodies were recovered from the debris. The 29 injured workers, all male, were promptly transported to the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Bathinda and local hospitals in Muktsar for treatment.

Investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the blast. Authorities are working to ensure support for the victims and their families as the community reels from the tragedy. (ILKHA)