Two Killed, 12 Injured as Firecracker Stock Catches Fire in Hingoli

HINGOLI, Oct 6 : Two people were killed and around 12 others injured after a massive fire broke out at a stock of firecrackers in a residential area of Hingoli in Maharashtra late on Monday night.

The blaze spread rapidly after the firecrackers caught fire, engulfing four houses, including the residence of a person identified as Bastwar, and causing extensive damage in the surrounding area.

Three Municipal Council employees were also injured while attempting to bring the fire under control. The injured were provided medical treatment, while two people in serious condition were shifted to Nanded for further treatment.

A large quantity of firecrackers and explosive material is suspected to have been stored in the residential locality, raising concerns over the safety of residents and the storage of such material in a densely populated area.

Following the incident, local residents demanded a search operation in the area to identify and seize any explosive material that may have been stored there. They also sought strict action against those responsible for storing the material.

The incident has raised serious questions over safety arrangements in the residential locality and the alleged illegal storage of firecrackers and explosive material.