The death toll from the Hyderabad firecracker blast climbed to 10 on Monday after another injured worker succumbed to burn injuries at Civil Hospital Hyderabad, authorities confirmed. The explosion destroyed a ground-plus-two building in Latifabad housing both firecracker production and storage, leaving more than a dozen others injured.
Police and local officials confirmed that the unit was operating without adequate safety measures, prompting the Hyderabad Mayor, Kashif Ali Shoro, to promise strict action against those responsible. “Action against illegal factories must be taken,” he said during a site visit, emphasizing worker safety as a priority.
Survivors described the premises as a combined factory and warehouse, with manufacturing on the ground floor. One worker, Anas, told reporters that the unit had been operational for four to five years and held a licence, but its safety protocols were insufficient. “More than 10 people were inside when the explosion occurred,” he added.
Source: People.com
Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah has demanded a detailed report on the incident and ordered an urgent audit of safety procedures across similar facilities. The provincial government confirmed that strict action will be taken against anyone found negligent in ensuring workplace safety.
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The blast mirrors a previous firecracker-related explosion in Karachi’s Saddar area last August, which claimed six lives. The Hyderabad unit reportedly stockpiled fireworks in a disorderly and hazardous manner, according to the FIR. One suspect was injured during the explosion, while another fled the scene, highlighting serious regulatory lapses in the management of hazardous materials.
Authorities are continuing rescue and recovery operations and have warned that legal consequences will follow for operators of illegal or unsafe factories. This incident underscores ongoing concerns over industrial safety violations in Sindh and the need for stricter oversight.
Source: Dawn
