Eight Killed In India Fireworks Blast Ahead Of Diwali
BBC NEWS, INDIA
November 13, 2012: Eight people, including seven members of the same family, have been killed in an explosion at a house where fireworks were being stored illegally in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.
Police said the victims of the blaze included four women and three children. A number of others were injured. The blast happened in Auraiya district ahead of Diwali, festival of lights.
India often sees accidental explosions involving fireworks, which are popular for weddings and festivals. In September, more than 30 people were killed in a blaze at a fireworks factory in Tamil Nadu state.
Police said Monday night's explosion in Himmatpur village was so powerful that it blew the roof off the house. Police are looking for the owner of the house. He had a license to make fireworks in his factory outside the village, but had been storing explosives in his house, police said.