UP: 5 die in Bahraich rice mill blast

LUCKNOW: Five workers lost their lives and three others sustained serious injuries after the dryer at a rice mill exploded in UP's Bahraich Friday. The incident took place around 7am when 15-17 people were working at the mill located in Gulam Alipura area, police said.

Eyewitnesses said the explosion triggered a massive fire, causing thick smoke to engulf the premises. Workers started collapsing as they lost consciousness. Local residents rushed to the spot and helped evacuate the injured.

Bahraich chief medical superintendent Dr M M Tripathi, confirming the deaths, said the injured were referred to the local medical college. The deceased have been identified as Ghaffar Ali (22), Bablu (27), Rajnesh (30), and Zahur Ali (55) from UP, and Bittu Shah (30) from Bihar. CM Yogi Adityanath expressed deep sorrow over the incident.