Two killed as bike laden with firecrackers collides with cow, leads to explosion

Lucknow: An in Gosaiganj area on Tuesday afternoon claimed the lives of two men who were reportedly transporting on a motorcycle.The blast took place after their bike collided with a cow in Malouli Bazaar, triggering a massive explosion that tore both victims apart, and the cow. The impact caused the motorcycle to overturn, igniting the firecrackers. Within seconds, a deafening explosion rocked the market, sending smoke and debris flying. The deceased were identified as Mohammad Ahmad (35) of Matan Tola, Gosaiganj, and his brother-in-law Suhail (18) of Jan Gaon Patti, Hardoi. Sources claimed that Ahmad, who ran a cosmetics and bangle shop, also held a temporary licence to sell firecrackers during Diwali. Police said the duo were likely carrying a large quantity of fireworks at the time of the crash for some wedding function in the village. "The blast was so powerful that Mohammad Ahmad's body was blown apart; his left leg was severed," said local witness Kishori Lal Patel, adding that Suhail was thrown several feet away and later died at the hospital. The bike was completely gutted, and residents initially mistook it for a gas cylinder blast. Police collected body parts scattered over several metres and sent them for post-mortem examination. SDM Mohanlalganj Pawan Patel directed an inquiry into the source and purpose of the firecrackers. Police traced the victims' identities through mobile numbers found at the scene and informed their families. DCP, South Zone, Nipun Agarwal, said that the duo was on their way to attend a wedding procession in Markhakhapur when the blast ripped off. DCP Agarwal told TOI that the FIR is being registered under the Explosives Act and other relevant charges. "We are probing all aspects of the incident, including the purpose for which it was being taken, from where it was brought, and the conditions in which it was being transported. The teams are working and checking the CCTVs for tracing the movement of the bike," said Agarwal. Ahmad's cousin Aqeel Ahmad said, "He has been selling licenced fireworks during Diwali for the past seven years. He must have been carrying stock for his seasonal stall." Ahmad is survived by his wife Rukhsana and three brothers.