Woman killed, two children hurt in blast at firecracker factory

A woman worker was killed and two children playing nearby were injured in a blast at a firecracker factory situated on the premises of a house at Chaudhriwala (Naushehra Pannuan) village here on Thursday.

The deceased has been identified as Jashan (22), wife of Akash, a resident of Chaudhriwala village. The injured, identified as Gurtaj Singh (12) and Vishaldeep Singh, were admitted to the local Civil Hospital. Keeping in view the serious condition of Gurtaj Singh, he was referred to Guru Nanak Dev Hospital in Amritsar.

Eyewitnesses said they heard a loud sound from the house of their neighbour Gurpreet Singh followed by a fire with high flames. Nearby residents immediately started the rescue operation. A team of the Sarhali police led by SHO Sub-Inspector Baljinder Singh along with police personnel reached the spot. The Fire Brigade of municipal council, Patti, too reached the spot and brought the fire under control.

SHO Baljinder Singh said Gurpreet Singh, owner of the factory, has been booked under Sections 105 and 125 (A), (B) of the BNS and Sections A-10 and 9 (B) of the Explosives Act, 1884. The accused, Gurpreet Singh, fled the spot.

The SHO said the accused was illegally using residential area for commercial purpose — for manufacturing firecrackers in the house.