Varanasi (UP), Oct 15 A house collapsed following a loud blast in the Paigambarpur area here on Thursday, police said, adding that a woman is feared trapped under the debris.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Varuna Zone) Rajesh Pandey said a loud blast occurred in the house for reasons that are yet to be ascertained, causing it to collapse.
Preliminary findings, however, suggest that the blast may have been caused by firecrackers, he added.
According to local residents, a woman is feared trapped under the debris after the incident in the Sarnath police station area, the officer said.
Teams of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) and fire services have been deployed for the rescue operation. They are clearing the debris to check whether anyone is trapped inside.
Police sources said the blast was heard by locals, who rushed to the spot and informed police. The incident triggered panic in the area.
The house reportedly belonged to Raju Khan, and his brother Salim is also said to be involved in the firecracker business, according to local residents.
The woman feared trapped under the debris is believed to be Raju Khan’s mother, Pandey said.
He further said some firecrackers and the smell associated with fireworks were detected during an inspection of the spot.
Police are investigating the incident, and further details will emerge after the probe, he added.
(PTI News)
