4 Killed In Firecracker Explosion During Bundelkhand Gaurav Mahotsav In UP

Four people were killed in a firecracker explosion in UP's Chitrakoot district during the Bundelkhand Gaurav Mahotsav.

Four people were killed and many were left injured in a firecracker explosion during the Bundelkhand Gaurav Mahotsav organised by the tourism department in Uttar Pradesh's Chitrakoot district on Wednesday. According to ANI, the programme organised in all the districts of Bundelkhand was planned to end with a fireworks display.

Chitrakoot District Magistrate (DM) Abhishek Anand said the incident took place during the two-day Bundelkhand Gaurav Mahotsav organised by the tourism department on the grounds of Chitrakoot Inter College. Initially, it was reported that two people had been killed and two more were injured during the fireworks. The injured were then referred to Prayagraj Medical College.

The fireworks display event was scheduled for Wednesday evening, with the crackers stored behind a stage, the officer said.

Unexpectedly, at around 3:15 pm, the firecrackers exploded, resulting in the immediate death of two individuals working nearby, while two others sustained severe burn injuries, he explained.

However, later, ADG Zone Prayagraj Bhanu Bhaskar said four people were killed in the incident.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has instructed the formation of a committee under the chairmanship of the Additional Director General of Police to investigate the matter.

Additionally, he announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of those killed in the incident and Rs 50,000 each to the injured.

The deceased are yet to be identified. "The accident is being investigated in depth. Action will be taken against whoever is found guilty," DM Anand said.

CM Adityanath, in a post on X, said, "The loss of life in the accident in Chitrakoot district is extremely heart-wrenching. My condolences are with the bereaved families. Strict action will be taken against the culprits. A committee has been formed under the chairmanship of the Additional Director General of Police and instructions have been given to investigate the matter. Instructions have been given to the concerned officials to immediately provide financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each to the seriously injured. Proper treatment of all the injured will be done free of cost…, " he said.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav condoled the loss of lives in the incident.

In a post on X, Yadav said, "The explosion at the Bundelkhand Mahotsav is very sad. My condolences..The BJP government, taking moral responsibility, should give a compensation of Rs 1 crore each to the families of the deceased."