10 dead after explosion in two-storey building in UP's Bhadohi

At least 10 people were killed in a mysterious explosion in a two-storey house on Saturday afternoon in Rotaha Bazar of Chauri Thana area of Uttar Pradesh's Bhadohi district. Many people were badly injured in the accident. According to the police, the bodies of 10 people have been recovered, while three seriously injured people have been evacuated from the debris.

 "The building was a carpet factory. We have information that fire-crackers were being made here illegally. The investigation is underway," the police said. The police added that a team of bomb disposal squad and forensic experts have been sent to the spot from Varanasi to find out the reasons behind the explosion. The shop owner has been identified as Kaliyar Mansoori, District Magistrate Rajendra Prasad said. The explosion led to the collapse of three houses.

Locals have claimed that Mansoori was also in the business of illegal firecrackers, the district magistrate said, adding that some others could be trapped under the debris. 

Bhadohi: 10 people dead after an explosion in a two-storey building. Rescue operations underway. Police say, 'The building was a carpet factory. We have information that fire-crackers were being made here illegally. Investigation is underway'. pic.twitter.com/eCqXEuDir7

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Earthmoving equipment has been pressed into service to carry out relief and rescue works. Teams of forensic experts and the NDRF have reached the site, he said. Irfan, son of Mansoori, was at a carpet factory behind the shop and its workers could be among those trapped, Prasad added.