An explosion at an alleged illegal firecracker factory killed at least two people and injured six others in India.

The powerful blast rocked a residential area in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, on Sunday, August 31, with several locals feared trapped under the debris.

Police identified the deceased as Alam, the factory operator, and his wife, Munni. Their two sons were reportedly in critical condition.

Six fire engines and multiple ambulances were deployed as rescue operations continued at the site to clear the rubble and search for any survivors.

Footage shows emergency responders using heavy equipment to sift through the remains of the severely damaged house as residents gathered nearby.

Preliminary findings suggest the explosion was caused by gunpowder stored in the unlicensed unit. However, authorities have not ruled out the possibility of a gas cylinder blast.

Investigators are now looking into the factory's ownership, licensing status, and the source of the explosive materials.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath extended condolences to the victims' families.

A government spokesman said: 'The Chief Minister has taken serious note of the incident and has directed officials to provide all possible assistance to the affected families.'

Firecrackers and fireworks play a major role in India's religious and cultural celebrations. However, due to frequent mishandling and poor safety standards, fireworks-related accidents are common, resulting in hundreds of injuries and fatalities each year.