KANPUR: A powerful explosion rocked the busy Meston Road market area on Wednesday evening after firecrackers stored in a scooter ignited, injuring eight people, four of whom are in critical condition.
The incident occurred outside a toy shop owned by Abdul Hameed in Mishri Bazaar, Moolganj, a densely packed commercial hub. The blast was so intense that it was reportedly heard up to 500 metres away, damaging nearby shops, shattering windowpanes of surrounding houses, and spreading panic throughout the market. The Markaz mosque, located near the site, was unaffected but close enough to witness the chaos.
What Happened?
According to police, the firecrackers were kept inside a parked scooter, which exploded under unknown circumstances. The blast caused significant damage to at least two vehicles and six shops, with one shop’s false ceiling collapsing and cracks developing in surrounding walls.
Eyewitnesses described a scene of confusion and fear, as smoke and flames engulfed the area, and injured victims lay scattered on the road. Nearby shopkeepers and bystanders rushed to help, transporting the injured to hospitals.
Victims and Injuries
Among the critically injured are:
Suhana (70)
Abdul (60)
Riyadueen (70)
Ashwani Kumar (50)
Doctors say they suffered over 50% burns and have been transferred to the Trauma Centre in Lucknow for advanced treatment. The remaining injured — including two minors, Mursaleen and Raees — were treated and discharged after receiving primary care.
Investigation Underway
Police were alerted immediately, and senior officials, including Commissioner of Police Raghubir Lal, rushed to the scene. Units from nearby police stations, along with the Bomb Disposal Squad, Forensic Team, Anti-Sabotage Unit, and ATS Kanpur and STF, were deployed to secure the area and begin investigations.
“While the preliminary assessment suggests the explosion was caused by firecrackers, we are examining all possible angles,” Commissioner Lal.
Officials are collecting forensic samples from the site and questioning shopkeepers and eyewitnesses. One of the scooter’s owners is reportedly among the injured.
Eyewitness Account
Mohammad Uwais, a local shopkeeper, recounted the moment of the blast:
“We were sitting inside the shop when suddenly there was a deafening noise. The force shook the whole market — items from shops were flung across the road, and people were screaming and running in panic.”
Next Steps
Authorities are yet to confirm whether the firecrackers were being stored illegally or if there was any negligence involved. Investigations are ongoing, and security has been tightened in the area as a precaution.
