Uttar Pradesh: At least 11 people were killed and five injured after a massive explosion at a firecracker factory in Uttar Pradesh's Kaushambi district on Monday. Rescue teams continued searching the debris amid fears that more people could be trapped.

The explosion took place at a firecracker factory in Manori village under the Pipri police station area of Kaushambi district. The blast caused extensive damage to the factory and surrounding structures.

Officials said several nearby houses were also damaged or collapsed in the impact. The intensity of the explosion caused debris to spread across the area, prompting a large-scale rescue operation.

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11 people killed, five injured

Kaushambi District Magistrate Amit Pal said 11 injured people who had been referred to SRN Hospital in Prayagraj later died during treatment. Five seriously injured people remain under treatment.

The deceased were identified as Priyanjali, 5; Praveen Singh, 13; Jahanvi, 12; Aditya, 12; Aditya, 8; Ravi, 8; Anju, 32; Gyan Singh, 40; Vikram Saroj, 35; Ansh, 6; and Nana, 4.

Officials said all the deceased lived near the factory.

Teams from the National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, police and fire brigade were deployed at the site.

More than a dozen fire tenders and around two dozen ambulances were deployed, while more than 50 Air Force personnel also assisted the rescue operation.

Excavators and bulldozers were being used to clear rubble and search for anyone who may still be trapped. Police warned that the death toll could rise if additional victims are found beneath the debris.

The blast also disrupted train movement on the nearby Delhi-Howrah railway line. Train operations were suspended for around an hour following the explosion.

The Ajmer-Sealdah Express, which had reached close to the site, was sent back to Manori railway station. The Delhi-Varanasi Vande Bharat Express was stopped at Saiyad Sarawan railway station.

Power infrastructure damaged

The explosion damaged a high-voltage electricity pole and power lines in the area. Electricity department personnel were working to repair the infrastructure and restore power supply.

The Manori Air Force Station is located around two kilometres from the site.

The exact cause of the blast has not yet been established. Authorities are expected to examine the materials stored at the factory, its operations and compliance with safety requirements.

Officials have not yet confirmed whether any regulatory violations contributed to the explosion. Further investigation is expected after the rescue operation is completed.

The district administration has indicated that strict action will be taken against anyone found responsible.

Yogi Adityanath announces compensation

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath expressed condolences to the families of those killed and directed officials to ensure proper treatment for the injured.

The state government announced financial assistance of ₹2 lakh for the next of kin of each deceased person and ₹50,000 for each injured person.

Rescue operations and debris-clearing efforts remain underway as authorities work to determine the full extent of the tragedy.