5 of family killed in blast at fire-crackers unit

Sultanpur, Oct 12 (UNI) At least five members of a family, including three minors, were killed and two children seriously injured in a blast at a fire-crackers unit in Amethi city here today.

Police Superintendent D C Mishra said the accident occurred in Raipur Phulwari locality about 0900 hrs at the house of one Anis, who was away at the time of blast.

The deceased were identified as Noorjehan (42), Khushnama (18), Shabana (17), Gulshan (7) and Afeeq (2).

The severely injured Atiq (8) and Naz (5) were referred to Lucknow.

The blast was so powerful, that it blew away the roof of the house, while the walls were also badly damaged.

Getting the information, DIG P P Srivastava and District Magistrate Sanjay Kumar rushed to the spot.

A team from Allahabad was also reaching here to probe the incident.

Mr Kumar said the administration would extend all possible help to the family.

Meanwhile, Amethi MP Rahul Gandhi had expressed grief over the incident.

UNI