Varanasi building collapses after suspected firecracker explosion

A powerful explosion, suspected to have been caused by firecrackers, caused a two-storey residential building to collapse in the Sarnath area of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, on Thursday.

Preliminary investigations suggest an illegal firecracker manufacturing or storage unit was operating within the premises. Following the blast, rescue teams including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) were deployed to the site.

Reports on casualties vary slightly, with officials confirming at least two to three people were injured, including children and a woman. While some reports indicated a woman might be trapped under the rubble, officials stated that preliminary searches suggest no other persons are currently trapped under the debris. Nearby houses also sustained minor damage from the impact.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed officials to expedite relief and rescue operations and ensure medical treatment for the injured. Police are investigating the incident, noting that firecrackers were found scattered around the scene.