'Distressed': PM Modi condoles Harda factory blast deaths; announces ex-gratia
Harda factory blast: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday expressed his condolences over the loss of lives in the tragic Harda factory blast in Madhya Pradesh.
At least 11 people were killed and 65 have been injured in the incident. The PM has announced an ex-gratia of Rs 2 lakh from the PM's National Relief Fund to each of the deceased's next of kin.
On Tuesday morning, a fire broke out inside a firecracker factory in Madhya Pradesh's Harda, resulting in several explosions, killing at least 11 people and injuring 65 others.
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PM Modi has also promised Rs 50,000 for the injured.
"Distressed by the loss of lives due to the mishap at a cracker factory in Harda, Madhya Pradesh. Condolences to all those who have lost their loved ones. May those injured recover at the earliest. The local administration is assisting all those affected. Rs. 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured will be given Rs. 50,000," the PMO said.
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The fire broke out at 11:30 a.m. at an illegally operated factory on Magardha Road in Bairagarh village.
Due to the massive explosion, the entire area was engulfed in black smoke, with windowpanes of nearby houses and shops shattered. Locals reported that it felt like an earthquake had struck Harda.
State Minister Uday Pratap Singh told reporters that those responsible would not be spared.
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"There have been eight deaths and 87 injuries, and an operation is underway to rescue people from under the debris. The guilty will not be spared. We are gathering all information about the factory from the district administration. The chief minister is constantly assessing the situation," Singh stated earlier.
Chief Minister Mohan Yadav took immediate notice of the incident and directed Minister Uday Pratap Singh, DG Home Guard Arvind Kumar, and ACS Ajit Kesari to go to the site by helicopter.
The chief minister also announced that the families of the deceased will receive Rs 4 lakh as ex-gratia, while the injured will receive free treatment.
The cause of the fire is still unknown.
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