2 killed in explosion

Lucknow, Aug 11 (UNI) Two people were killed and nine other injured, following an explosion in a firecracker factory being run in a house in Samthar town of Jhansi district.

The deceased were identified as Maqbool Ahmad and his wife Rukhsana. The couple's two children were also reported missing, police said.

However, unofficial sources claim about five people had died.

The incident occurred around 1300 hrs in Katra area.

Under the impact of explosion, the building collapsed and several people got trapped under the debris.

Meanwhile, nine injured people had been admitted to hospital, where they were stated out of danger.

According to police, Maqbool was involved in the trade of making fire crackers for several yrs.

Rescue work was still on.

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