Blast Rocks Residential Building in Lohiya Nagar, Meerut – 5 Dead, Several Injured
Meerut: In a horrifying incident, a massive explosion shook a residential building in Lohiya Nagar, Meerut on Tuesday. The deafening blasts were so powerful that people several kilometers away felt the tremors, causing panic and fear throughout the neighborhood.
As the tragedy unfolded, several laborers found themselves trapped in the building, struggling for hours before rescue teams arrived. A team comprising the Inspector-General (IG), the District Magistrate (DM), and the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) arrived promptly, initiating a rescue operation to save the injured.
Tragically, five individuals have lost their lives in this devastating explosion, while seven others are critically injured. All the injured have been rushed to nearby hospitals for urgent medical care.
Residents of the area reported that the explosion occurred around 7 AM, causing severe structural damage to the building and adjacent structures. The shockwave from the explosion even shattered windows in nearby buildings.
The building in question is reported to have housed a factory, and in close proximity to it is Satyakam School. The explosion could have resulted in a major catastrophe if it had occurred during school hours.
Upon an initial investigation by the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), it has been confirmed that explosive material was found at the scene. The ATS suspects that the material may have been part of a missile or similar device, as it was located near a children’s school, raising concerns about security and safety.
Energy Minister Dr. Somendra Tomar has promised a thorough investigation into the operation of the factory and its compliance with safety regulations.
In addition to local authorities, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team, along with the Bomb Squad, has reached the site to provide assistance in the ongoing rescue and relief efforts.
District Magistrate Deepak Meena stated that the identification of the deceased is still underway and may involve factory workers. Efforts are being made to establish the identity of the victims.
The incident has garnered attention as far as Lucknow, with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath taking note of the situation. CM Yogi has instructed officials to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the matter, emphasizing the need for stringent safety regulations and oversight in industrial areas to prevent such incidents from happening in the future.
