The death toll in the devastating firecracker factory blast in Dewas has risen to eight after two more injured workers succumbed to burn injuries during treatment. The victims, identified as Ajay and Niranjan, were undergoing treatment at MY Hospital in Indore following the explosion that took place on May 14 in the Tonkkalan area.

Hospital officials confirmed that both patients died late Friday night while receiving treatment in the burn unit. Doctors said their condition had remained critical since the day of the explosion due to extensive burn injuries. The tragedy has once again highlighted concerns over industrial safety standards and working conditions at firecracker manufacturing units operating in different parts of the state.

Blast Leaves Massive Damage

The explosion occurred on May 14 at around 11:30 am inside a firecracker factory in Tonkkalan area of Dewas district. According to officials and eyewitnesses, the blast was extremely powerful and could be heard from a considerable distance. The impact of the explosion shattered portions of the factory structure and damaged surrounding areas. Local residents said nearby houses shook during the blast, creating panic across the locality.

Investigators said body parts and debris were thrown nearly 20 to 25 feet away from the blast site due to the intensity of the explosion. Visuals from the scene showed charred remains, burnt materials, and damaged walls scattered across the factory premises.

Workers Suffered Severe Burns

More than 20 workers sustained injuries in the incident, many of them suffering extensive burns. Several victims were shifted to hospitals in Indore for emergency treatment due to the seriousness of their condition. Doctors treating the injured said at least three workers had suffered burns covering nearly 99 percent of their bodies.

Hospital staff stated that burn patients required continuous monitoring because of high risk of infection and complications associated with severe thermal injuries. Medical teams at MY Hospital have deployed nursing staff in rotational shifts around the clock to ensure uninterrupted care for critically injured patients.

Earlier Deaths Reported

Before the latest fatalities, six workers had already died in connection with the factory explosion. Initially, authorities confirmed the deaths of Dheeraj, Sunny, and Sumit shortly after the blast. Later, two more injured workers, identified as Amar and Guddu, died while undergoing treatment at Amaltas Hospital.

Another injured worker, Ram, son of Mukesh Kumar, died earlier this week during treatment at MY Hospital in Indore. With the deaths of Ajay and Niranjan, the total number of fatalities has now increased to eight. Officials said several deceased workers belonged to Uttar Pradesh and Bihar and had reportedly come to Madhya Pradesh for employment.

One Patient Still Critical

Meanwhile, another injured worker identified as Vishal, 25, remains admitted in the neurosurgery ward after suffering serious head injuries during the blast. Doctors said the force of the explosion threw him to a considerable distance, causing severe trauma to his head and resulting in blood clot formation.

Medical teams are closely monitoring his neurological condition and continuing treatment under specialist supervision. Hospital sources said his recovery remains uncertain and he continues to require intensive care.

Hospitals Continue Treatment

Apart from MY Hospital, some injured workers were also admitted to Choithram Hospital in Indore for treatment. Hospital authorities confirmed that three patients were discharged after improvement in their condition, while one patient continues to remain under observation. Doctors indicated that the remaining patient’s condition is stable and discharge may be considered after further medical evaluation. Healthcare teams involved in the treatment process said extensive precautions are being taken to prevent infection among burn victims, which remains one of the biggest risks during recovery.

Safety Questions Raised

The factory blast has once again raised serious questions over compliance with industrial safety norms at firecracker manufacturing units. Labour activists and local residents have demanded a detailed investigation into whether proper safety protocols, storage regulations, and emergency arrangements were in place at the factory before the explosion occurred. Officials are also examining whether the unit possessed the required licences and followed mandated operational guidelines for handling explosive materials. Authorities have not yet released a final report regarding the exact cause of the blast.

Police and district administration teams continue to investigate the circumstances leading to the explosion. Officials are collecting evidence from the site and recording statements from factory staff, survivors, and local witnesses.