Gurdaspur: A fire broke out at a firecracker factory located at Batala, Gurdaspur in Punjab. At least 19 are dead and 50 injured in the explosion. 

Fire tenders are on the spot trying to stop spreading of the flames. At least 10 people are feared to be trapped inside the  debris. 

Four people are seriously injured, said Vipul Ujjawal, DC Batala.

The intensity of the blast blast was such that three to four buildings situated near the factory collapsed. Window panes of buildings that were up to 1 km away got smashed. Apart from buildings, a car and a bike was also destroyed.

The firecracker factory where the explosion happened was a three-storey. The  blast occurred at 4 pm at the factory said, Inspector General (Border Range) SPS Parmar.

Staff from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are busy in the rescue operation. Officials concerned are taking stock of the situation.

Leaders expressed grief and shock over the incident. President Ram Nath Kovind tweeted, "Saddened to learn about the loss of lives due to an explosion at a firecracker factory in Batala, Punjab. Condolences to bereaved families impacted by this tragedy and wishing an early recovery to those injured."

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