Uklana: A massive fire broke out at a firecracker warehouse in Prabhuvala village, near Uklana, Haryana, on Wednesday afternoon, leaving two workers injured. Both victims have been hospitalized, with one reported to be in critical condition.
The blaze, believed to have been caused by a short circuit, created a towering smoke plume visible from up to two kilometers away. The intensity of the fire led to explosions that caused the warehouse’s iron shed to collapse, filling the surroundings with deafening bursts of firecrackers.
Cause of Fire: Short Circuit Suspected
The warehouse, located in the fields of Prabhuvala village, caught fire around 12 p.m. when workers were busy loading firecrackers onto a vehicle. A suspected short circuit triggered the fire, which quickly engulfed the entire structure. Workers attempted to douse the flames but were unable to contain the rapidly spreading blaze.
Injured Workers and Rescue Operations
Two employees, identified as Nikhil and Mandeep, were caught in the flames. Local residents rushed to the scene and managed to pull them out. Emergency services, including fire brigades and ambulances, were promptly alerted. The injured were initially taken to nearby hospitals in Uklana and Barwala, but due to the severity of their injuries, they were later transferred to a private hospital in Hisar for advanced treatment.
Firefighters Battle Flames for 90 Minutes
Five fire engines from Uklana and Barwala were dispatched to the site, working tirelessly for over an hour and a half to bring the fire under control. The efforts of local residents, combined with the firefighters’ expertise, prevented the fire from spreading to other sections of the warehouse.
Damage Assessment and Police Investigation
The fire caused extensive damage to the warehouse, with the main shed and shutters completely destroyed. Fortunately, the flames were contained before they could spread to other storage sections. According to police officer Sanjeev Kumar, an investigation is underway to determine the exact cause and assess any potential violations in safety protocols at the warehouse.
Swift Response Prevented Larger Disaster
Eyewitnesses praised the quick response of the local community and authorities, which prevented a larger tragedy. The warehouse, divided into multiple storage sheds, saw the fire confined to the first section, averting further escalation.
The injured workers are currently receiving treatment, while authorities continue to evaluate the financial loss and safety measures in the warehouse. This incident underscores the urgent need for fire safety compliance in facilities handling hazardous materials like firecrackers.
