Eleven people were killed and five others injured in a massive explosion at a firecracker factory in Uttar Pradesh's Kaushambi district on Tuesday, authorities said. The incident occurred near Manauri Bazar, located on the border between Kaushambi and Prayagraj districts.

According to officials, a fire broke out at the facility, which was operating out of a residential house, triggering a series of subsequent explosions. The blasts created widespread panic in the surrounding area and caused damage to several nearby homes. Windows were shattered, and debris was scattered across the vicinity.

District Magistrate Vipin Pal arrived at the scene shortly after the incident and oversaw rescue and relief efforts. He emphasized the urgency of ongoing search operations, as there was a possibility that individuals remained trapped beneath the rubble. "All teams are conducting continuous search efforts, and anyone found is being taken immediately to the nearest hospital for treatment," Pal said.

A fire brigade team, accompanied by six to eight ambulances, was dispatched to the site, supported by police and administrative personnel from Kaushambi and Prayagraj districts. The injured were transported to SRN Hospital in Prayagraj for medical care.

Rescue operations faced challenges due to the nature of the blast. Firecrackers continued to explode intermittently after the initial fire, hampering the ability of teams to safely enter the premises. Eyewitnesses reported seeing smoke emanating from the building before the firecracker explosions erupted suddenly. Police restricted movement in the area to ensure safety during rescue efforts.

Pal noted that the reported casualty figures were preliminary and that the situation could evolve as rescue teams completed their work. Senior officials remained on site to monitor the response and provide support as necessary.

Investigations into the cause of the fire and subsequent explosions remain ongoing. The operation being run out of a residential property has raised concerns about safety protocols in such facilities. Authorities are expected to issue further updates as more information becomes available.