A devastating explosion at a firecracker factory in Punjab's Sri Muktsar Sahib district has resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries. The incident occurred on Friday, May 30, 2025, at a manufacturing and packaging unit located on Singhawali-Kotli Road, near a village in the district.
Initial reports indicate that at least four people have died, and approximately 25 others sustained injuries in the blast. The victims are believed to be migrant laborers working at the firecracker factory. The intensity of the explosion caused the two-story building to collapse, trapping several workers under the debris.
Emergency services, including local authorities, fire personnel, and disaster response teams, are currently on the scene, engaged in rescue operations. Efforts are underway to extricate those trapped beneath the rubble and provide medical assistance to the injured. The injured have been admitted to AIIMS, Bathinda.
Lambi's Deputy Superintendent of Police, Jaspal Singh, confirmed the casualties and the ongoing rescue efforts. The cause of the explosion is currently under investigation. Preliminary findings suggest that the factory may have been manufacturing banned firecrackers. Witnesses reported hearing multiple explosions in succession, with the sound audible up to two kilometers away, shaking nearby villages.
The incident has sparked outrage among local residents, who have long voiced concerns about the operation of illegal firecracker units in the area. Such factories often disregard safety regulations, leading to hazardous working conditions and posing a significant threat to the surrounding community.
This tragic event is not an isolated incident. Explosions at firecracker factories are a recurring problem in India, particularly in the lead-up to festivals like Diwali and during wedding seasons when demand for fireworks is high. In February 2025, a woman was killed and two others injured in a fire at an illegal firecracker factory in Tarn Taran district of Punjab. In April 2025, separate incidents in Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh resulted in numerous fatalities and injuries, highlighting the urgent need for stricter enforcement of safety regulations and a crackdown on illegal operations.
Past incidents reveal a pattern of negligence and lack of oversight in the firecracker industry. In many cases, factories operate without proper licenses, flouting safety norms and endangering the lives of workers and nearby residents. The use of substandard materials, inadequate safety measures, and a lack of proper training contribute to the high risk of accidents.
The government has ordered a probe into the incident to determine the exact cause of the explosion and identify those responsible for any lapses in safety protocols. Stricter regulations and regular inspections are essential to prevent future tragedies and ensure the safety of workers and communities living near firecracker manufacturing units. Furthermore, there is a need to rehabilitate and provide alternative employment opportunities for those who are currently employed in the hazardous firecracker industry.
