A devastating explosion at an illegally operating fireworks factory in Hyderabad has claimed seven lives and left multiple individuals with severe burns, exposing the city's ongoing struggle with unregulated hazardous operations.
The Tragic Incident and Immediate Aftermath
The deafening blast occurred on Saturday afternoon in Goth Major Baqar, Latifabad unit 10, completely destroying the ground-floor structure where the factory was secretly functioning. The explosion was so powerful that it was heard kilometers away, sending shockwaves through the surrounding area.
Rescue 1122 spokesman Dilbar Halepoto confirmed they received information about the blast at approximately 4pm. The death toll, initially reported as three, quickly surged to seven within hours as rescue workers dug through the rubble. Liaquat University Hospital officials confirmed receiving four bodies, including three that were burned beyond recognition.
Victims and Rescue Operations
The injured victims suffered horrific burns, with several in critical condition. Sheraz Sanaullah, 45, sustained 100% burns, while Waqas Arshad, 30, suffered 95% burns, and Naeem Yousuf, 40, endured 90% burns. Three other patients—Anas Akram (26) with 40% burns, Kashif Arshad (30) with 35%, and Mushtaq Sadiq with 12%—were transferred to LUH's burns ward for specialized treatment.
Rescue efforts involved thousands of people, including police officers, rescue staff, government officials, and volunteers who worked together to cut through rubble and remove debris. A haunting video shared by Rescue 1122 showed one victim trapped under debris with broken legs, his body showing signs of being roasted alive. The man's arms were stiffened and lifted upward, suggesting his final moments were spent trying to prevent being crushed.
Investigation Reveals Regulatory Failures
Police immediately launched an investigation, raiding the house and shops of factory owner Asad Khan, where they recovered explosives. Hyderabad SSP Adeel Chandio confirmed that Khan had absconded, likely fleeing the city based on his mobile phone's last known location.
The investigation uncovered significant regulatory failures. Khan had secured a license in 2020 after presenting himself as a "law-abiding and peaceful citizen" in his application. However, the license was issued for plot number 131 in Al-Rahim City, while the actual factory operated at a different location near the Indus River embankment. The license also limited explosive possession to 25 pounds, a restriction clearly violated.
SSP Chandio acknowledged the factory was "illegal and was secretly set up near the river levee" but didn't explain why authorities took no action against a facility operating with an expired license at an unauthorized location.
Pattern of Negligence Continues
This tragedy marks the latest in a series of explosions involving hazardous materials in Hyderabad. On May 30, 2024, an LPG shop blast killed 27 people, including 20 children in Pareetabad. Another explosion occurred on April 29 when fire swept through a junkyard, parking facility, cottage industry, and cattle pen, causing multiple LPG cylinder explosions.
Despite these incidents, LPG refilling shops and fireworks sellers continue operating with impunity throughout the city. In response, Hyderabad Deputy Commissioner Zainul Abideen has issued notifications ordering action against illegal fireworks warehouses and formed committees to identify and shut down illegal operations. Citizens have been urged to report suspicious activities at 022-9200244.
The factory, located in a structure surrounded by agricultural fields near the Indus River embankment, produced a massive mushroom cloud visible from distant locations, symbolizing the growing threat of unregulated hazardous operations in residential areas.
