A high-intensity explosion at a suspected illegal firecracker manufacturing unit in Bihar’s Araria district late Friday caused extensive damage to a residential house and left several people feared injured, triggering panic in the surrounding neighbourhood.

The blast took place at a house in Muslim Tola, falling under the Bhargama police station area. The force of the explosion damaged the building and prompted residents of nearby homes to rush out of the area amid fears of further blasts.

Police officials said the exact number of people injured in the incident had not been confirmed at the time of the initial investigation. Local residents, however, reported that at least six people were inside the house when the explosion occurred and that some of them may have suffered serious injuries.

According to preliminary police information, the explosion occurred while explosive material was allegedly being moved in sacks inside the residential premises. The house was reportedly associated with a family whose members could not be located following the incident.

The intensity of the blast caused significant structural damage to the house. The explosion also created panic among residents in the locality, with families living in neighbouring houses leaving their homes immediately after hearing the blast.

Araria Superintendent of Police Jitendra Kumar said authorities searched several private and government hospitals in an effort to trace people who might have been injured in the incident. However, police officials said they had not been able to confirm the whereabouts of the family associated with the house.

The suspected use of the premises for illegal firecracker-related activity is now a key part of the investigation. Authorities are working to determine what materials were stored at the location, how they were being handled and whether the activity was being carried out without the required permissions and safety measures.

A bomb disposal squad and personnel from the forensic science laboratory were sent to the site after the explosion. Their examination is expected to help investigators establish the nature of the explosive material involved and determine the circumstances that led to the blast.

Police are also examining the condition of the building and the surrounding area to assess the full extent of the damage. Investigators are expected to collect physical evidence from the site as part of the forensic examination.

Authorities said a case would be registered against the family members associated with the premises, who were reported to be missing after the explosion. Further legal action is expected to depend on the findings of the investigation and the evidence collected from the site.

The incident has raised concerns over the risks associated with unauthorised storage or manufacture of fireworks in residential areas. Firecracker production involves combustible and explosive materials that require controlled handling, storage and appropriate safety arrangements.

Officials are continuing to investigate the incident, including the source and quantity of the suspected explosive material and the identities and whereabouts of people who may have been present inside the house when the blast occurred.

The casualty figure remains unconfirmed as the investigation continues.