India, May 30 -- Five migrant labourers were killed and 29 others injured in a blast at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Singhewala village of Punjab's Muktsar district in the early hours of Thursday.

The blast, which occurred around 1 am, caused the entire factory structure to collapse.

The factory, located near the Haryana border, employed several migrant workers engaged in the production and packaging of firecrackers. Authorities believe an unspecified explosion triggered the collapse.

"Initial information indicates that the blast occurred in the cracker manufacturing area for reasons yet to be determined. The building collapsed as a result, causing the casualties. Prima facie, it appears the deaths were due to structural damage ...