Death toll in Bhiwadi firecracker factory blast rises to 9

February 26, 2026

Bhiwadi: The death toll in the blast at an illegal firecracker factory in Bhiwadi (Khairthal-Tijara) has risen to 9. Another injured, Junnu, admitted to Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital on Thursday morning, succumbed to his injuries.

The accident occurred on February 16 in the Khushkheda-Karauli industrial area. According to police, seven people were burned alive at the scene.

The deceased suffered 90 percent burns

Junnu was referred to Delhi on the day of the accident and had been in the ICU for about 10 days. He suffered approximately 90 percent burns and his condition was not improving.

Earlier, on February 22, Anoop Singh (18) also died during treatment. He too was 90 percent burned.

Four injured were referred to Delhi, two of whom have died, while two have been discharged from the hospital.

Bodies identified through DNA tests

The blast was so severe that DNA tests had to be conducted to identify many of the bodies. Most of the workers working in the factory were from Bihar.

The factory was registered as a garment factory in the Khushkheda-Karauli industrial area, but illegal firecrackers were being manufactured inside.

Three accused arrested, sent to judicial custody

Police have arrested three accused so far. The main accused, Hemant Sachdeva, was arrested from his home in Delhi.

Factory operator Hemant Kumar Sharma and supervisor Abhinandan Tiwari were also arrested. After interrogation on remand, all three were produced in the Tijara court on February 25, where they were sent to judicial custody.

The administration has sealed the factory and an investigation is underway.