5 killed, 11 injured in factory explosion in India

At least five people, including two children, were killed and 11 others injured Tuesday in a firecracker factory in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, reported Xinhua, quoting police.

The explosion took place late Monday night in the Naushera area of Shikohabad in Firozabad district, about 275 km west of Lucknow, the capital city of Uttar Pradesh.

According to police, the house from where the factory was operating crumbled due to the impact of the explosion.

"Five people, including two children, were killed and 11 others were injured in an explosion, that took place in a firecracker factory-cum-godown," a police official said. "The injured were immediately removed to hospital."

Immediately after the blast authorities rushed police, firefighters and disaster response force personnel to the spot to carry out rescue efforts.

Police have registered a case and ordered an investigation into the explosion.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has expressed grief over the loss of lives in the explosion and directed officials to carry out rescue work.

Accidental explosions are common at Indian firecracker factories and shops as owners usually ignore safety standards.