HYDERABAD (MNN); At least seven people lost their lives and seven others were injured on Saturday when a powerful blast struck a fireworks manufacturing unit in Hyderabad, officials confirmed.
According to a statement by the Rescue 1122 spokesperson, a major explosion occurred inside an illegal firecracker factory located near the Laghari Goth river within the limits of Latifabad Police Station B Section, triggering a massive fire.
Duty doctor Dr Vinesh Kumar at Liaquat University Hospital said that one body was brought dead to the burns ward, while six others with moderate to severe burn injuries were shifted for treatment. Another doctor, Dr Haya, noted that two of the injured had nearly 100 per cent burn wounds.
Medico-legal officer Dr Mohammed Hussain reported that two unidentified male bodies were moved to the mortuary. Assistant Medical Superintendent Dr Mujeeb Kalwar added that another charred body was shifted to the burns ward.
Latifabad Assistant Commissioner Saud Lund, who is supervising the operation, said the fireworks were being produced illegally inside a residential house without any licence. He added that a room and the boundary wall had collapsed, and multiple workers, including children, might still be trapped under the rubble.
Hyderabad SSP Adeel Chandio stated that the legal status of the factory was being checked and confirmed that the owner was missing from the location. Rescue 1122 said fire and rescue teams, ambulances and a fire brigade truck were immediately dispatched, and operations were ongoing.
Sindh Home Minister Ziaul Hassan Lanjar took strict notice of the tragedy and demanded a detailed inquiry. He ordered authorities to verify whether proper licences and safety protocols were in place, stressing that negligence and illegal hazardous activities would not be tolerated.
