Illegal Firecracker Unit Blast Claims Life in Siwan, Bihar
A tragic incident unfolded in Siwan district, Bihar, on Thursday when a powerful explosion ripped through an illegal firecracker manufacturing unit operating from a residential house, resulting in the death of a 50-year-old man. The blast occurred in Bargam village under the Hussainganj police station, sending shockwaves through the local community and raising serious questions about regulatory oversight.
Details of the Fatal Explosion
The victim, identified as Mohd Murtuza Mansoori, was killed instantly in the blast that took place around 11:30 AM. The explosion was so severe that his body parts were found scattered nearly 20 feet away from the site. The force of the blast caused the house to collapse, with debris spilling onto the road and attracting large crowds of onlookers to the scene.
Notably, the incident occurred barely 7 kilometers from where Chief Minister's Samriddhi Yatra programme was being conducted at the same time, highlighting the proximity of the illegal activity to a high-profile public event. Mansoori's wife and children, who were in the backyard of the house during the explosion, miraculously escaped unhurt.
Longstanding Illegal Operations and Community Concerns
Local residents have alleged that illegal firecracker production had been ongoing at Mansoori's house for an extended period. Despite multiple complaints filed with the concerned authorities, no action was taken to shut down the hazardous operation, according to community members. This has sparked outrage and calls for accountability regarding the failure to address the illegal manufacturing unit before the tragic incident.
Police Investigation and Official Response
Siwan Superintendent of Police Puran Kumar Jha personally inspected the site following the explosion. He stated that police are currently verifying whether the fireworks unit possessed a valid license. "Preliminary investigation suggests firecrackers were being manufactured inside Mansoori's house. Containers filled with firecrackers might have caught fire, triggering the blast," the SP explained.
He further confirmed that the bomb squad and forensic team have collected evidence from the scene, and the house has been sealed as part of the ongoing investigation. Hussainganj Station House Officer Mohan Prasad Singh corroborated that firecrackers were indeed being produced illegally at the residence.
"The exact cause of the explosion is being investigated by the forensic team. Police are also conducting searches to ascertain whether more such illegal firecracker units are operating in the area," SHO Singh added, indicating a broader crackdown on similar unauthorized operations.
Safety Concerns and Regulatory Failures
This incident has brought to light significant safety concerns regarding illegal firecracker manufacturing in residential areas. The collapse of the house and widespread debris demonstrate the destructive potential of such unregulated operations. Authorities are now facing scrutiny over why previous complaints about the illegal unit went unaddressed, potentially allowing dangerous conditions to persist until tragedy struck.
The investigation continues as forensic experts work to determine the precise sequence of events that led to the fatal explosion, while police expand their search for other illegal manufacturing units in the region to prevent similar incidents in the future.
