Muktsar (Punjab): Five migrant workers were killed and 29 others injured in an explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit at Singhewala village in Muktsar district on early on Friday. Many migrant workers engaged in the production and packaging of firecrackers worked in this factory located near the Haryana border.

SSP Akhil Chaudhary said that preliminary information has revealed that the explosion took place in the firecracker manufacturing area. The reasons are yet to be ascertained. He said that the explosion caused the building to collapse, causing casualties.

Lambai DSP Jaspal Singh said that five bodies have been recovered from the debris. The injured have been admitted to All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Bathinda and Muktsar hospitals for treatment. There were about 40 employees in the factory.

Rescue teams of fire department and police reached the spot. Some employees are still feared trapped under the debris. Rescue operations are underway.