Ayodhya, India - A devastating explosion in Pagla Bhari village, Ayodhya, Uttar Pradesh, has resulted in the collapse of a house, leaving at least five people dead and several others feared trapped under the debris. The incident occurred on Thursday, October 9, 2025.

Rescue operations are currently underway as police, fire department, and local administration teams work to clear the rubble and search for survivors. Authorities have appealed to residents to stay away from the accident site to facilitate the rescue efforts. Senior police and administrative officers are supervising the operation and have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the explosion.

Circle Officer Shailendra Singh told news agency PTI that "Five people have died in the explosion, a few have been injured, and efforts are on to rescue those trapped. The cause of the blast is not yet clear". Excavators are being used to clear the debris, and nearby houses have been evacuated as a precautionary measure.

While the official cause of the blast is still under investigation, initial reports suggest the explosion may have been triggered by a gas cylinder. However, according to eyewitnesses, the explosion occurred in a house where firecrackers were being illegally manufactured and stored. The deceased have been identified as Ram Kumar Kasodhan, also known as Pappu, who was reportedly running an illegal firecracker manufacturing operation from his residence.

The force of the explosion was immense, with debris scattered as far as 100 meters from the site. The sound of the blast was heard up to 500 meters away, causing widespread panic in the area.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken cognizance of the incident and expressed deep condolences for the loss of lives. He has directed senior officials to rush to the spot, ensure proper medical treatment for the injured, and personally oversee the ongoing rescue and relief operations.

This tragic incident follows closely on the heels of another explosion in Kanpur, which was also linked to the illegal storage of firecrackers. These events highlight the dangers associated with the illegal manufacturing and storage of explosives and the need for stricter enforcement of safety regulations.