Varanasi (UP), Oct 15 A house collapsed following a loud blast in the Paigambarpur area here on Thursday, after which a woman and two children who were trapped under its debris were rescued, police said.
Two police personnel have been suspended for alleged negligence in connection with the incident, they said.
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.
Additional Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) Shivhari Meena said police officers, NDRF and SDRF teams, and fire service personnel rushed to the spot immediately after receiving information about the collapse in the Sarnath police station area and launched rescue operations.
Two children and a woman were found injured during the rescue operation and were immediately rushed to a hospital, where they are undergoing treatment.
According to an eyewitness, the woman who was initially reported to be trapped under the debris was among those rescued.
No one is now believed to be trapped under the rubble. However, NDRF and SDRF teams, along with other personnel, remain at the site as a precautionary measure, Meena said.
Preliminary information suggests that firecrackers were manufactured and stored in the house, he said, adding that further legal action was being taken in the matter.
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.
Some firecrackers and the smell associated with fireworks were detected during an inspection of the spot.
Taking note of the incident, the police commissioner has suspended the police outpost in-charge concerned and a constable for alleged negligence.
According to an official statement, Sub-Inspector Anuj Shukla, in-charge of Purana Pul police outpost, and constable Prakash Chandra Yadav, posted in the beat concerned, have been suspended with immediate effect.
Police said a departmental inquiry was underway into the role of the police personnel concerned and other aspects of the incident
Further action will be taken as per rules on the basis of facts and evidence emerging during the inquiry, the statement said.
Police are investigating the incident, and further details will emerge after the probe, police said.
(PTI News)
