7 killed in cracker factory explosion in West Bengal

Seven people were killed after an explosion in an illegal firecracker factory in West Bengal's East Midnapore district on Tuesday, police said.

The blast occurred in the factory in East Midnapore's Egra. Plumes of grey smoke were seen from the spot following the explosion, reports India Today.

Locals rushed to help the people affected by the blast. The injured were taken to a nearby hospital.

According to police sources, the factory was raided last month and action was taken against its owner. Despite the crackdown, firecrackers continued to be manufactured in the unit, police sources said.

Bengal CID has taken over the Egra explosion where seven people have lost their lives. A compensation of Rs 2.5 lakh has been announced by the state government for the kin of the deceased.

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated that the person involved in the accident was earlier arrested. After getting bail, he restarted the illegal factory.

"In Egra, an explosion has taken place. The area is near the Odisha border. The owner of the factory was arrested earlier. A chargesheet was filed against him. He got bail. He started his business illegally again. The owner has fled to Odisha," Mamata Banerjee said.

Mamata Banerjee further stated that Bengal CID has taken over the Egra case.