Explosion in cracker factory: Toll mounts to 8

With three more deaths in an explosion in a cracker factory in Mohanlalganj area here, the toll rose to eight today.

Raeesunisha (45), Khaleel (35) and Sachin (7) died during treatment in a hospital, a police spokesman said here.

Momin (40), Shafeeq (36), Zahira (70), Nagma (16) and Rakesha (32) were killed in an explosion at a cracker factory in Sisendi yesterday.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav has expressed profound grief over the incident and announced an ex-gratia of rupees two lakhs to the next of kin of each of those who lost their lives.