Blaze inside firecracker shop kills 7 in central India

At least seven people were killed and a few others injured in a devastating blaze inside a firecracker shop in central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, officials said Wednesday.

The fire broke out in Ranipura area of Indore district, about 195 km southwest of Bhopal city, the capital of Madhya Pradesh.

"The death toll in the yesterday's fire incident has rose to seven," P Narharia, district collector said. "Two others have suffered critical burn injures in the blaze."

The fire triggered after an explosion inside the shop and spread to adjoining shops. However, firefighters swung into action and prevented it from taking the locality in its grip. The victims include owner of the shop.

Authorities have ordered an inquiry into the incident and intensified raids to check illegal stocks of firecrackers in the district.

Health officials said the death toll could increase owing to critical condition of injured.

"All the injured have suffered grade-IV burns, where even the bones have got damaged so the death toll could raise," Dr Arvind Ghanghoria said.

Earlier this month six members of a family were killed in the state after a stockpile of fireworks exploded in their house.

In India firecrackers are set off during festivals, weddings and other merrymaking ceremonies. Endit