Death toll in explosion at firecracker factory in M.P.'s Dewas rises to five

The article reporting on the incident was published at 06:33 am IST, summarizing the latest developments including the deaths, arrests, and government actions.

State Congress president Jitu Patwari arrived at the scene and criticized the state government, alleging that gunpowder imports from China and patronage of the factory owner by ruling party leaders are involved; he claimed firecrackers were illegally stored in agricultural warehouses and that more than 40 minor boys were working there, demanding suspension of the district magistrate.

District Magistrate Rituraj Singh said two licenses for manufacturing and selling firecrackers were issued to Malviya; they were first issued on December 23 last year and renewed on May 6 this year. He added the factory began manufacturing small firecrackers about 15 days ago.

Deputy Chief Minister Jagdish Dewda announced that a magisterial inquiry has been ordered in addition to the arrest of the factory owner.

Chief Minister Mohan Yadav visited the hospital to enquire about the victims and said the government would not spare anyone guilty, with further action to be taken based on the investigation report.

Three workers injured in the fire were admitted to the Government Maharaja Yashwantrao Hospital in Indore.

Officials said Anil Malviya, the licensed owner of the firecracker factory, has been arrested under the National Security Act (NSA). His firecracker license has been suspended.

A firecracker factory in the Tonk Kalan area of Dewas district experienced an explosion on May 14, 2026. Officials said two more workers severely injured in the blast died, taking the death toll to five, while 23 others remain under treatment.