What Happened in the Firecracker Factory Explosion in Bengal's Champahati?
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Key Takeaways
Kolkata, Jan 10 (NationPress) Four individuals sustained serious injuries following a significant explosion at a firecracker factory located in the Champahati region of South 24 Parganas district on Saturday. The police reported that one of the injured individuals is in a critical condition. Reports indicate that they have been transferred to a hospital in Kolkata for advanced medical care.
This incident transpired in Haral village, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Baruipur police station. Notably, a similar explosion had occurred in the same Sardar Para area of Haral village approximately a year ago. After the explosion, emergency services quickly arrived to extinguish the fire.
Local sources mentioned that firecrackers were actively being produced at the explosion site. Several workers were engaged in the manufacturing process when the explosion suddenly occurred. The force of the blast was so intense that it reduced part of the building to rubble, and a nearby tree caught fire.
Officers from the Baruipur police station were promptly notified and quickly reached the site. The injured parties were transported to Baruipur Super Specialty Hospital for treatment.
Residents reported that the explosion originated from the house of firecracker trader Pintu Mondal, which was completely devastated by the resulting fire. Pintu Mondal, alongside Shubhankari Sardar and Bhakti Sardar, suffered burn injuries, and another individual was also hurt in the incident.
It was revealed that Pintu had retained some leftover firecrackers at his residence after the Kali Puja festivities last year.
Authorities from the police and fire department are currently investigating the explosion's cause. Additional Superintendent of Police of Baruipur Police District, Rupantar Sengupta, stated, “On Saturday morning, we received reports of an explosion at a firecracker factory in the Champahati-Haral area. Police are on the scene. The injured have been taken to a medical facility. An investigation into the explosion is underway.”
The incident has caused widespread panic in the community. On December 28, 2024, a previous explosion had occurred in Sardar Para of Haral village under the Champahati Gram Panchayat, resulting from firecrackers stored in a house. That explosion also completely obliterated the residence, leaving three individuals, including a woman, severely burnt.