At least 10 people died and nine others suffered serious injuries in a massive explosion that took place inside a house, where the inhabitants were said to be involved in illegal firecracker business, an official said on Friday.
Bhagalpur District Magistrate Subrat Kumar Sen said the blast took place inside the house of Mahendra Mandal in Kajbalichak locality of the town in the early hours.
Senior police superintendent Babu Ram said two more bodies were believed to be trapped under the debris of one of the houses. “Rescue operations are still continuing.” Police feared the toll may go up.
“ So far, the deaths in the explosion are eight with one injured person succumbing to his injuries a few hours back. There are chances of two more bodies lying under the debris, which is being cleared. The toll could rise to 10 or more,” said Ram.
Police said explosive material went off on the ground floor of one Navin Atishbaaj’s house in a densely populated locality barely 100 metres from a police station. Atishbaaj was also injured in the blast.
(With inputs from agencies)
