

Photo: IANS
Nagaur: At least two people were killed and two others critically injured after a powerful explosion rocked a gunpowder and firecracker manufacturing unit in Rajasthan's Nagaur district on Thursday morning, triggering panic in the surrounding area.
The blast occurred at around 9:40 a.m. in the Badli area. The explosion was reportedly so powerful that its sound was heard nearly 500 metres away. There were fears that additional workers could be trapped inside the premises.
According to preliminary information, the facility belongs to a person identified as Amin. Two young men died at the spot, while two others were found critically injured during the rescue operation. Their identities have not yet been established.
Police personnel and fire brigade teams rushed to the location soon after receiving information about the incident. Firefighters launched efforts to control the blaze, while Kotwali police coordinated rescue and relief operations.
Initial reports suggest that a fire broke out among the stored firecrackers and rapidly intensified, eventually triggering a massive explosion. A stock of finished firecrackers was also found in one section of the warehouse.
Local residents said gunpowder was manufactured at the facility by mixing potassium nitrate, raising questions about the quantity of explosive materials stored on the premises and the safety arrangements in place.
Although locals claimed that the owner held a valid permanent licence for firecracker-related activities, there is no official confirmation regarding the authorised storage capacity or the actual quantity of firecrackers and potassium nitrate kept at the facility.
Rescue teams are working to determine how many workers were present inside the unit when the explosion occurred. Authorities have not ruled out further casualties as search and rescue operations continue.
The exact cause of the explosion, the identities of the deceased and the extent of damage to the premises are yet to be officially confirmed. Further details are awaited as authorities investigate the incident.

