What Happened When a Drum Filled with Chemicals Exploded in Canning, Bengal?
Synopsis
In a shocking incident in Canning, Bengal, four children suffered burns after a drum filled with chemicals exploded while they were playing nearby. This incident raises serious questions about safety measures during road repairs. Authorities are investigating the cause, while the injured children are receiving medical care. Read on to learn more about this alarming event.
Key Takeaways
Four children suffered burns from a chemical explosion.
The incident occurred while they were playing near an unattended drum.
Local authorities are conducting an investigation.
Safety measures regarding hazardous materials are under scrutiny.
Three children were transferred to a hospital in critical condition.
Kolkata, Feb 18 (NationPress) Four children were injured by burns in Canning, located in the South 24 Parganas district, after a drum filled with chemicals exploded, according to police reports on Wednesday.
Police sources revealed that the incident occurred when four children were playing near the roadside on Tuesday evening, where a drum containing chemicals was left unattended.
The explosion caused severe burns to the minors, one of whom jumped into a nearby pond to escape the pain. Three of the injured children have been transported to MR Bangur Hospital in Kolkata for treatment.
Reports indicate that repair work was in progress on a seven-kilometre stretch of road from Ghatakpukur in Canning Purba Assembly to Madhya Kharagachi, with locals noting that this work had commenced recently.
On Tuesday, a drum containing approximately 200 litres of light diesel oil (LDO) was situated on the roadway. The children, aged between eight to ten years, were playing adjacent to the drum.
Suddenly, the drum exploded with a loud bang, severely burning one child while the others also suffered injuries. In distress, one child leapt into a nearby pond.
Locals have identified the injured children as Sadiqul Mollah, Samiul Mollah, Raihan Mollah, and Riaz Hasan Mollah, all of whom are students at the local Kharagachi Primary School. Following the incident, they were quickly rescued by locals and taken to Nalmuri Rural Hospital. Due to the deteriorating condition of the three children, they were subsequently moved to MR Bangur Hospital in Kolkata, where Sadiqul's condition is reported as critical.
In response to the incident, Deputy Commissioner of Bhangar Police Division, Saikat Ghosh, along with Trinamool MLA from Canning East, Saokat Molla, visited the site.
A senior officer from Bhangar Police Division stated, "The police have initiated an investigation into the explosion. The bomb squad and dog squad from Kolkata also arrived on the scene to determine the cause of the incident." Locals are questioning the safety precautions that were in place during the road repair work and the rationale behind leaving flammable materials exposed on the roadway.
Point of View
My focus is on delivering trustworthy and unbiased news. The incident in Canning highlights the urgent need for stringent safety regulations in public works projects, especially those involving hazardous materials. The welfare of our children is paramount, and it is crucial that proper precautions are adhered to in order to prevent such tragedies in the future.
NationPress
12 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the explosion in Canning?
The explosion was caused by a drum filled with approximately 200 litres of light diesel oil (LDO) that was left unattended near where children were playing.
What injuries did the children sustain?
All four children suffered serious burns, with one child reported to be in critical condition.
What actions are authorities taking in response?
The police have initiated an investigation, and the Kolkata police's bomb squad is also involved to determine the cause of the explosion.
Were the children receiving medical attention?
Yes, the injured children were initially taken to Nalmuri Rural Hospital and then transferred to MR Bangur Hospital in Kolkata for further treatment.
What safety measures were in place during the road repair work?
Locals are questioning the safety measures that were implemented during the road repair work, particularly concerning the handling of flammable materials.
