5 dead, several injured after explosion triggers house collapse in Ayodhya

Rescue operations are underway, with multiple people still feared trapped under the debris.

The explosion, which occurred around dusk, caused panic in the area. Firefighters, police, and disaster response teams have been deployed, while locals joined in the rescue efforts.

The injured have been rushed to the district hospital for treatment.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed senior officials to reach the site immediately, supervise the rescue work, and ensure the injured receive proper medical care.

“The Chief Minister has expressed grief over the loss of lives and instructed officials to extend all possible help to the victims,” a government statement said.

While the cause of the blast is still being investigated, initial reports suggest it may have been triggered by a gas cylinder explosion.

A forensic team has arrived at the spot to collect samples and confirm the source of the blast.

“It appears to be a gas cylinder or cooker explosion in a kitchen, but we can confirm only after forensic testing,” said Nikhil Tikaram Funde, District Magistrate of Ayodhya, who is on-site along with the Superintendent of Police.

The incident comes just a day after a scooter explosion in Kanpur injured eight people, raising alarm across the state.

Political reactions

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav expressed grief over the tragedy, calling it “extremely heartbreaking.”

“Immediate arrangements should be made for the treatment of the injured, and an investigation into the matter should be conducted,” Yadav wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Authorities are expected to release a detailed statement once rescue operations conclude and forensic results are available.