Eight die in as fireworks unit explodes

At least eight people were killed on Tuesday when a fireworks manufacturing unit exploded in Uttar Pradesh’s Maharajganj district, police said.

At least eight people were killed on Tuesday when a fireworks manufacturing unit exploded in Uttar Pradesh’s Maharajganj district, police said.

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The explosion in Rampura village "was so intense that a major portion of the unit collapsed", Deputy Superintendent of Police NB Patel said in Maharajganj, 300 km from here.

"While some people died of burns, others died after being buried under the debris," he said. The dead and injured include workers and customers.

Seven people who were injured were warded in hospitals in Maharajganj and Gorakhpur districts.

Police believe explosion took place after some firecrackers caught fire following an electric short-circuit.