In Uttar Pradesh, nine persons were killed and more than a dozen injured in an illegal cracker factory blast occurred last night in Himmatpur village under Bela police station of Auraiya district.SP, Auraiya, Sanjay Kakkar told our Lucknow correspondent that a loud explosion was heard after the firecrackers caught fire, killing eight on the spot and injuring 12 others. Launching a quick rescue operation district administration with the help of locals pulled out more than two dozen people from the debris. More than a dozen injured, some of whom are stated to be critical, have been sent to Hallet Hospital of Kanpur. An inquiry has been ordered by the administration.