A devastating accidental explosion at the Bighi firing range in Gaya district has resulted in the tragic death of a 15-year-old boy and left another teenager with serious injuries. The incident occurred on Friday near Deori Dumri village, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Barachatti police station, casting a shadow of grief over the local community.
Details of the Tragic Incident
According to police reports, the blast took place when boys from Deori Dumri village, located under the Bumer panchayat in the Barachatti police station area, ventured into the restricted firing range zone. They were reportedly searching for copper or brass scraps from the debris of exploded bombs and grenades, a hazardous practice that has previously led to fatal accidents in the region.
Background of the Firing Range Activity
The Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) had been allotted a three-day firing range session from Thursday to Saturday for practice exercises. However, the CRPF team from Rajgir efficiently completed their training in just one day on Thursday and subsequently returned after obtaining a no-objection certificate, as per standard protocols.
Safety Measures and Local Practices
Despite clear warnings and notifications issued to residents of nearby villages advising them not to enter the restricted area, locals often ignore these safety directives. The allure of collecting valuable metal waste from exploded ordnance continues to draw individuals into dangerous zones, posing significant risks to their lives.
The injured boy was promptly referred to the Anugrah Narayan Magadh Medical College and Hospital for urgent medical treatment. Barachatti station house officer Amrendra Kishore confirmed that an investigation is currently underway into the circumstances surrounding the blast, which resulted in one fatality and one injury.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
Authorities are diligently examining the sequence of events that led to this unfortunate accident. The incident highlights the persistent challenge of preventing unauthorized entry into military training areas, where leftover explosives can remain unstable and deadly.
This tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with scavenging in active or recently used firing ranges. It underscores the need for enhanced community awareness and stricter enforcement of safety regulations to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
