Muzaffarpur Boiler Blast: Death Toll Rises To Seven. High-Level Probe To Be Conducted, Says Bihar Minister

A boiler at a noodle-making plant exploded, killing seven workers and injuring five others, according to Bihar Minister Ramsurat Rai. 

Muzaffarpur: Charred remains after a boiler explosion at a factory in Bihar's Muzaffarpur, Sunday, Dec. 26, 2021. (PTI Photo)

New Delhi: A boiler erupted in a noodle-making plant in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, killing at least seven persons and injuring several others. The facility is located in Phase-II of Muzaffarpur's Bela Industrial Area.

The death toll in the blast at a noodle-making plant has risen to seven, according to Bihar Minister Ramsurat Rai. 

The Prime Minister has approved an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh each from PMNRF for the next of kin of those who have lost their lives due to the accident at a factory in Muzaffarpur. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000 each.

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) December 26, 2021

As per the India Today report, the explosion was so powerful that it also destroyed the terraces of the nearby factories. When the explosion happened, locals rushed to the scene, and there was panic in the factory. It is thought that several people are trapped inside the factory.

Bihar cabinet minister Ramsurat Rai informed reporters that a high-level investigation will be launched, and those found guilty will face punishment.

Muzaffarpur boiler blast | Death toll rises to 7.High-level inquiry to be conducted,followed by action against those found guilty.We need to find out why the factory was operational on a Sunday.A govt certificate was given for operation of the boiler in May:Bihar min Ramsurat Rai pic.twitter.com/87db864GrB

— ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2021

"We need to find out why the factory was operational on a Sunday. A govt certificate was given for the operation of the boiler in May," he further said.

District Magistrate, Muzaffarpur, Pranay Kumar had informed the boiler blast took place around 9.30 A.M. inside a unit at Bela industrial area that manufactured noodles and other snacks, PTI reported.

The sound was heard far and wide and the rooftops of many other buildings in the area were blown away by the impact of the collision which reduced the factory to rubble, said the DM.

Officials of the local administration, police, and fire department rushed to the spot to carry out rescue operations.

The identities of those who were killed in the accident are yet unknown. 

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced an ex gratia of Rs four lakh for the next of the kin of each deceased and constituted a team to investigate the cause of the blast and fix accountability.