Ludhiana, April 1 -- A man lost his life and a 13-year-old girl sustained critical injuries in an explosion at an "illegally run" firecracker manufacturing unit inside a house on the outskirts of Jodhan village on Tuesday evening, police said. The deceased has been identified as Kaif Shah. The injured girl is Alisha, they said.

According to police officials, nearly 15 people were on the premises at the time of the blast. While most managed to escape unhurt, two persons were trapped under the debris. The injured girl, who remained trapped for some time, is stated to be in a critical condition. Kaif succumbed to his injuries during treatment at a hospital.

Daljit Singh, owner of an adjoining structure, said the explosion was so intense th...