Kathmandu— Eleven people, including three adults and eight children, were killed when a firecracker factory exploded on Monday in Uttar Pradesh state, northern India. The youngest child among the victims was just four years old. The explosion destroyed several houses near the site, with rescue teams using excavators and other tools to search for survivors under the rubble.

Rescue Efforts

Videos circulated on social media showed the aftermath of the blast, including demolished houses and survivors covered in debris. Rescue teams used various methods, from heavy machinery like excavators to makeshift tools such as stones, to search for any remaining survivors under the rubble.

Official Responses

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed local authorities to ensure proper treatment for the injured and provide assistance to affected families. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his sorrow over the loss of lives on social media, promising compensation for those who lost family members or were injured.

Industry Safety Concerns

The firecracker industry in India employs hundreds of thousands of people and is a significant global player. However, many factories are home-based, unsafe, and employ children, according to the International Labour Organisation. This incident marks at least the third fatal blast at a firecracker factory this year.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.