2 killed, 2 missing as explosion rips through firecracker factory in UP

A blast tore through a firecracker factory in Saharanpur's Naya Gaon on Friday. The explosion killed two people, left two missing and triggered a probe into licences and safety norms.A blast tore through a firecracker factory in Saharanpur's Naya Gaon on Friday.At least two people died after a massive explosion ripped through a firecracker factory in Uttar Pradesh's Saharanpur district on Friday, triggering panic in the surrounding area.According to preliminary information, the blast was so powerful that it caused chaos in nearby villages. Several other people are also feared to have sustained injuries in the incident.Eyewitnesses said the explosion was followed by a fire inside the factory premises, while the sound of the blast was heard from a considerable distance. Local residents rushed to the spot and began relief efforts before police, district administration officials and fire department teams arrived at the scene.The explosion reportedly damaged a portion of the factory. Rescue teams are searching through the debris for people who may be trapped, while the injured are being shifted to hospitals for treatment. Saharanpur District Magistrate Arvind Chauhan confirmed that two people have died in the explosion, while two others remain missing.Police and administrative officials are assessing the situation at the site. The cause of the explosion is yet to be determined. Authorities are also investigating whether the factory possessed the required licences and complied with the prescribed safety norms. - EndsWith inputs from Rahul Kumar.Published By: Akshat TrivediPublished On: Jul 24, 2026 21:26 IST