A fire in firecrackers stored at a house in Alampur village in Bihar's Siwan district set off a chain of explosions on Friday evening, bringing down the front portion of the building and scattering debris onto the road, officials said. The house, in the Jamo police station area, belongs to Md. Amiruddin Miyan, described by officials and residents as a firecracker dealer.

Source: Nation Press

Intermittent blasts continued for about one and a half to two hours, spreading panic in Alampur and nearby villages. District Magistrate Vijay Prakash Meena and Superintendent of Police Bharat Soni reached the spot, and fire brigade and district administration teams began rescue and relief work at the collapsed structure.

Death toll not yet officially confirmed

Authorities have not confirmed a final death toll. The District Magistrate said two to three bodies had been located and that identification was under way, according to a Hindustan Times report. Local residents have claimed around five people died, while some other reports have put the figure higher. Awaaz Punjab is reporting the toll as unconfirmed until the district administration issues a verified count.

Source: Hindustan Times via Fact.net.in

Siwan SP Bharat Soni said the firecracker manufacturing licence for the unit had been obtained about 20 years ago and that officials were checking whether it was still valid, according to Bhaskar reporting carried by other outlets. The house stands in a densely populated part of the village, and residents have questioned how firecrackers were stored and made in a residential home.

The cause of the initial fire has not been established. Investigators are examining how much explosive material was stored at the house and whether safety rules were followed. Officials are expected to issue a formal statement on casualties and the cause once the site is fully cleared.