Explosion at Siwan firecracker unit kills five, leaves two missing

The explosion occurred at a residential premises being used to manufacture firecrackers in Siwan, a district in northern Bihar. Five workers were confirmed killed in the incident, while rescue operations continued to locate two others reported missing in the blast. Local administration and police personnel rushed to the scene to conduct search and recovery operations.

Initial reports suggest the explosion may have resulted from an accidental ignition of firecracker material during the manufacturing process. Preliminary investigations indicate the unit may have been operating without proper licensing or regulatory compliance, though authorities have not yet confirmed the exact circumstances that led to the blast.

Official sources confirmed that a formal inquiry has been initiated to establish whether the facility held valid authorisation from competent authorities to operate. The investigation will examine workplace safety protocols, storage procedures for explosive materials, and adherence to statutory regulations governing firecracker production in residential areas.

The incident has renewed concerns about illegal manufacturing units operating in densely populated areas. Bihar's industrial safety department indicated that action would be taken against any violation of licensing requirements uncovered during the inquiry.