Uttar Pradesh: Five Dead, Several Feared Trapped After Massive House Blast in Ayodhya

Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh: A devastating blast ripped through a house in Pagla Bhari village, under the Pura Kalandar police station area, on Thursday night, claiming the lives of five individuals, including three children. The intensity of the explosion caused the entire building to collapse, leaving it in a heap of rubble, while several more people are feared to be trapped beneath the debris. Upon receiving the information, senior officials, including the SSP and CO, rushed to the site and initiated a large-scale rescue operation.

Rescue Efforts Underway, Five Confirmed Dead

Rescue teams are working tirelessly with JCB machines to clear the debris. Dr. Ashish Pathak, EMO at the district hospital, confirmed that five individuals were brought to the hospital in a deceased state, all with severe burn injuries. The deceased include three children and two adults. While the exact cause of the blast is yet to be officially determined, initial investigations suggest possibilities of either a firecracker explosion or a gas cylinder leak. A ruptured gas cylinder and a pressure cooker were found at the scene during the police investigation.

Details of the Incident

According to reports, Ramkumar alias Parasnath, a resident of Pagla Bhari village, lived with his family in a house built outside the village. A loud explosion was heard on Thursday night, followed by the collapse of his house. Local residents immediately informed the police. SSP Dr. Gaurav Grover, SP City Chakrapani Tripathi, and CO Ayodhya, along with a heavy police force, arrived at the scene, recognizing the gravity of the situation. Sources indicate that a gas cylinder leak amidst stored firecrackers might have triggered the blast, though official confirmation is awaited, while iG Praveen Kumar is also present, closely monitoring the swift rescue operations. Authorities prioritize extracting those still believed to be trapped.