13 killed in UP carpet factory blast

Bhadohi: Thirteen people, including nine from West Bengal, were killed in an explosion at a shop here on Saturday afternoon which led to the collapse of three adjacent houses, officials said. Six people were also injured in the incident. It is suspected that some people are still trapped under the debris and a rescue operation has been launched, they said.

The blast took place at the shop in Rohta Bazaar, which was run by Kaliyar Mansoori. His son was running a carpet factory behind the shop and its workers could be among those trapped under the debris, DM Rajendra Prasad said, adding the injured have been admitted to hospital. Locals claimed that Mansoori was also in the business of making illegal firecrackers.

According to an official in West Bengal, the nine people from the state killed in the incident were residents of Malda district. A 10-member team of the Malda district administration and police were leaving for Bhadohi on Saturday night to bring back the mortal remains of the workers. Earthmoving equipment have been pressed into service to carry out relief and rescue works. Forensic experts, NDRF and district officials have reached the site.