In a tragic incident that unfolded on Tuesday morning in Madhya Pradesh’s Harda district, more than 10 people lost their lives, and around 60 others sustained injuries in a devastating fire that broke out inside an illegally operated firecracker factory. The incident has prompted an outpouring of condolences, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressing grief and announcing immediate relief measures.
The fire erupted at approximately 11:30 am at a firecracker factory situated on Magardha Road in Bairagarh village. The illegal operation, unfortunately, proved fatal as the blaze quickly spread, resulting in significant casualties and injuries. Rescue personnel and local residents swiftly mobilized to address the emergency, working tirelessly to control the fire and assist those affected.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, deeply saddened by the loss of lives, took to social media to extend his condolences and announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹2 lakh from the PM’s National Relief Fund for the next of kin of each deceased. Additionally, a relief amount of ₹50,000 was announced for each person injured in the incident.
“Distressed by the loss of lives due to the mishap at a cracker factory in Harda, Madhya Pradesh. Condolences to all those who have lost their loved ones. May those injured recover at the earliest,” said the PMO in a post on social media. The local administration is actively involved in providing assistance to those affected by the tragedy.
Former Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Chouhan also expressed his condolences, acknowledging the gravity of the situation. “The news of the explosion in the firecracker factory in Harda is extremely sad. I pray to God for the well-being of all the citizens involved in this heart-wrenching accident and the speedy recovery of the injured,” Chouhan shared in a social media post.
The incident highlights the risks associated with the operation of illegal factories, particularly in the manufacturing of hazardous materials such as firecrackers. Authorities are likely to investigate the circumstances surrounding the illegal factory, including potential safety violations and the lack of necessary permits.
The tragic event emphasizes the importance of stringent safety measures, regular inspections, and enforcement of regulations to prevent such accidents. It also raises questions about the need for greater public awareness regarding the dangers associated with illegal manufacturing operations, urging authorities to take proactive steps to curb such practices.
As the affected community grapples with the aftermath of the incident, the focus remains on providing support to the families of the deceased and ensuring the swift recovery of those injured. The immediate relief measures announced by the Prime Minister are a step towards addressing the urgent needs of the affected families, but a comprehensive investigation and sustained efforts to prevent such incidents in the future are crucial for ensuring public safety.
