What Happened in Bengal: Three Deaths in Firecracker Factory Explosion?
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Kolkata, Jan 13 (NationPress) The tragic toll from the firecracker factory explosion in the Champahati region of South 24 Parganas has now reached three, as two more individuals have sadly died from their injuries, according to police reports on Tuesday.
Rahul Mandal, one of the victims, passed away at a hospital near the bypass on Monday night. Previously, Biswajit Mandal was pronounced dead at the same facility on Monday, while Gourhari Gangopadhyay succumbed to his injuries at MR Bangur Hospital on Sunday. The fourth injured worker, Kishan Adhikari, is still receiving treatment at MR Bangur Hospital.
The devastating explosion occurred on Saturday morning at a firecracker factory located in Haral village, Champahati. The blast resulted in the asbestos roof being blown off and the brick structure being reduced to debris, with nearby houses also experiencing minor damage.
Four workers—Gourhari Gangopadhyay, Biswajit Mandal, Rahul Mandal, and Kishan Adhikari—were rescued in critical condition and admitted to two hospitals in Kolkata.
Authorities have confirmed that a case has been registered against the factory's owner, who is currently on the run. Efforts are underway to locate him.
Residents have expressed concerns regarding the firecracker cluster project, highlighting that although land acquisition has been completed in one phase, the project has not advanced. Another phase of land acquisition is proposed, but locals insist they will not give up their land unless the government offers a clear timeline for the project's completion.
Since the incident on Saturday, Baruipur police have been actively conducting surveillance and search operations in the vicinity. However, no arrests have been made to date.