A devastating explosion at an illegal firecracker factory operating out of a house in Lucknow’s Gudamba area claimed the lives of a husband and wife while injuring five others on Sunday. The blast, which occurred around noon in the Behta locality, was so powerful that it caused a partial roof collapse and damaged neighboring homes, sending shockwaves through the community.

The victims were identified as Alam, 50, and his wife Munni, 48, who were killed instantly in the explosion. According to Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Anindya Vikaram Singh, the factory was being run from a residential house, a violation of safety regulations. The blast trapped five individuals under debris, who were later rescued and rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment.

District Magistrate Vishak G, who visited the site alongside senior police officials, reported that two of the injured remain in critical condition, while the other three are stable. "The explosion was severe, damaging at least four adjacent houses," Vishak said, highlighting the extent of the destruction. "Our immediate focus is ensuring the injured receive proper medical care. We will then investigate the cause of the blast and identify those responsible."

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The incident has raised serious concerns about the operation of hazardous industries in residential areas. Preliminary investigations suggest that the firecracker factory lacked proper licensing and safety measures, contributing to the tragedy. Local residents expressed outrage, citing the risks posed by such illegal setups in densely populated neighborhoods.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and directed officials to expedite rescue and relief operations. "We are committed to providing all necessary support to the victims and ensuring such incidents are prevented in the future," a statement from his office read. Authorities have launched a probe to determine the exact cause of the explosion and to hold those accountable for operating the illegal factory.

The blast has sparked calls for stricter enforcement of safety regulations and inspections to curb unauthorized manufacturing units. As the community mourns, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers posed by unregulated industries in residential zones.

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