Boiler blast injures seven factory workers in UP

Gorakhpur: A powerful explosion rocked a fast-food manufacturing unit in Gorakhpur's GIDA Sector-13 on Wednesday evening, leaving seven workers injured, two of them critically. The blast occurred when a boiler used for drying noodles exploded, causing partial collapse of tin shed and boundary walls of the factory.

According to officials, the explosion was so loud it was heard up to 2 km away. Panic gripped the area as thick smoke and debris filled the premises, prompting workers and nearby residents to flee the site by jumping over the gates.

The injured workers, all migrant labourers from Bihar, were rushed to CHC Piprauli, from where they were referred to BRD Medical College. Two of them – Umar Farooq and Majid – sustained major burn injuries, with nearly half of their bodies scorched.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath took immediate note of the incident and directed officials to ensure best possible treatment of the victims. Commissioner Anil Dheengra, district magistrate Krishna Karunesh, DIG Anand Kulkarni and SSP Gauran Grover visited the medical college and instructed hospital authorities to prioritise care of the injured.

The blast took place at a factory at plot number D-20 owned by Himanshu Mani Tripathi who was not reachable to the authorities. The unit manufactures packaging items like cardboard and paper plates and produces instant noodles.

Preliminary investigations suggest the explosion was triggered by the boiler used in the production process. SP North Jitendra Kumar Srivastava said technical experts were called in to assess the damage. Tehsildar R K Kannaujia and senior police officials are probing the incident to determine accountability and to ensure safety protocols.