For more than two decades, the Harda fireworks factory had been operating without a valid license and essential safety precautions.
(Pic credit NDTV)
Tragically, on Tuesday in Harda, Madhya Pradesh, a horrific fire broke out at a fireworks factory, resulting in the death of 11 people and injuring 174 others. Despite previous explosions at the factory, it continued production without proper licensing and safety measures. In 2017, the owners applied for license renewal under the Explosives Act, but it was discovered that the factory, located about 150 kilometers from the capital city of Bhopal, was producing fireworks without the necessary license. Despite repeated accidents and safety concerns, the factory continued operations until it was sealed. However, it resumed production until August 2018, with non-compliance persisting. Operations resumed in 2018-19, and until 2022, efforts were made to renew stocking and sales licenses. Notably, in a previous incident three years ago, an explosion at the same factory claimed the lives of three female workers from the same family. In another incident in 2021, three people died. One of the factory owners, Rajesh Agrawal, was initially arrested in connection with the incidents but was later released on bail. Despite recurrent accidents and safety concerns, the factory's license was renewed in 2022, leading to continued production and the unfortunate event.
Post a Comment