HYDERABAD: A powerful explosion at a fireworks manufacturing factory in Hyderabad has claimed the lives of six people and left four others critically injured, authorities confirmed on Saturday.
The blast completely destroyed the building and sparked a large fire, sending shockwaves through the surrounding neighbourhood.
The incident occurred in a factory located in Laghari Goth, under Latifabad’s B-Section police jurisdiction. Eyewitnesses reported that flames suddenly engulfed the premises before a violent explosion tore through the structure. Residents nearby rushed to the scene as smoke and debris filled the air.
Emergency teams from Rescue 1122 and local fire services were promptly dispatched. Seven severely injured individuals were pulled from the rubble and taken to Bhitai Hospital and Civil Hospital for urgent treatment. Urban Search & Rescue (USAR) teams with specialised equipment are continuing to search for other potential victims trapped under debris.
Eyewitness Tahir Laghari said, “We live nearby. The explosion was deafening. We saw 11 to 12 injured people being taken away immediately.” He added that the factory had been operational since 2022 and had experienced three previous explosions, despite complaints filed with local police.
Sindh Interior Minister Ziaul Hasan Lanjhar has requested an initial report from SSP Hyderabad and emphasised verifying whether the factory was operating with a valid licence. He instructed authorities to take legal action against the owners and responsible parties if the factory violated safety regulations.
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has taken notice of the incident, directing that injured workers receive immediate and optimal medical care. He also ordered the Hyderabad Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner to submit a detailed report and called for a full audit of the factory’s safety measures. The Chief Minister warned that any negligence in worker protection would not be tolerated.
