Punjab Firecracker Unit Blast Kills 5 Migrant Workers, Injures 29 in Midnight Tragedy

Muktsar: A devastating explosion ripped through a firecracker manufacturing unit in Singhewala village of Punjab’s Muktsar district around 1 am on Thursday, leaving five migrant labourers dead and 29 others injured. The powerful blast caused the entire factory structure to collapse, triggering a frantic rescue operation that continued for hours.

The factory, located near the Haryana border, employed dozens of migrant workers involved in the production and packaging of firecrackers. While the exact cause of the explosion remains under investigation, officials suspect it originated from within the cracker manufacturing area.

“Initial information indicates that the blast occurred in the cracker manufacturing area for reasons yet to be determined. The building collapsed as a result, causing the casualties. Prima facie, it appears the deaths were due to structural damage rather than a fire,” said Muktsar SSP Akhil Chaudhary.

Lambi DSP Jaspal Singh confirmed the recovery of five bodies from beneath the debris. All 29 injured—migrant men—were rushed to AIIMS Bathinda and local hospitals in Muktsar for treatment.

“We have recovered five deceased workers so far. Rescue operations are ongoing. All injured are male migrants, most of whom suffered serious injuries,” said DSP Singh.

Emergency services, along with disaster response teams, remained on-site throughout the day, sifting through the rubble to ensure no one remained trapped.