Hyderabad Fireworks Factory Explosion Claims Multiple Lives
A devastating explosion tore through an illegal fireworks factory in Hyderabad on Saturday, resulting in at least six fatalities and eight injuries, with rescue officials warning the death toll might increase as operations continue at the disaster site.
Rescue Operations and Casualty Details
Emergency response teams from Rescue 1122 rushed to the scene immediately after the blast, working tirelessly to pull survivors from the debris and transport victims to nearby medical facilities. Rescue 1122 spokesperson Hasaan Khan confirmed to Arab News that six bodies have been recovered and eight people sustained injuries, with five in critical condition.
All injured victims have been shifted to the specialized burns unit at Liaquat University Hospital in Hyderabad for emergency treatment. The rescue spokesperson emphasized that the final casualty figures will only be confirmed once the ongoing rescue operation concludes completely.
According to hospital sources, the injured have been identified as: Murtaza son of Sadique (55), Nazar son of Muhammad Arshad (35), Anas son of Muhammad Aslam (35), Khashif son of Rasheed (30), Sheeraz son of Sanaullah (35), Naeem son of Muhammad Yousuf (55), and Nusrat wife of Arshad (55). These patients received medical attention at both Bhitai Hospital and Civil Hospital.
The deceased include Rasheed (55) and Waseem son of Aslam (23), while three other victims remain unidentified as authorities work to establish their identities.
Official Response and Investigation
Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori expressed profound grief over the tragic incident and directed authorities to submit an immediate report determining the cause of the fire. The Governor ordered strict action against those responsible for the factory's operation and emphasized the urgent need for stronger safety measures to prevent similar accidents in the future.
According to the SSP Hyderabad, the fireworks factory was operating illegally and the building suffered complete destruction in the explosion. Police investigations are currently underway to determine the exact cause of the blast, with authorities confirming that legal proceedings will be initiated against all responsible parties.
Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah also took immediate notice of the catastrophe and has demanded a comprehensive report from the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner regarding the incident. The CM directed prompt action against those accountable for the illegal operation that led to multiple fatalities.
Broader Safety Concerns
This tragic incident highlights the ongoing problem of fireworks factories operating in densely populated residential areas across Sindh province, often with minimal safety regulations and oversight. The prevalence of such hazardous establishments in residential neighborhoods continues to pose significant risks to public safety.
The Hyderabad factory explosion serves as a grim reminder of the urgent need for stricter enforcement of industrial safety standards and more rigorous monitoring of illegal manufacturing operations throughout the region.
