Chemical Drum Explosion in Kolkata Severely Injures Four School Children
A horrifying incident unfolded in the Ghatakpukur area of Kolkata on Tuesday evening, leaving four young primary school children with severe burn injuries, three of them in critical condition. The explosion occurred when a 200-litre drum filled with light diesel oil, which had been left unattended by the roadside, suddenly detonated.
Children Playing After School Caught in Blast
According to local sources, the children, aged between 8 and 10 years old, were playing near the drum after returning from school. Without warning, the chemical-filled container exploded, unleashing flames and intense heat across the densely populated residential area. The victims have been identified as Sadikul Molla, Samiul Molla, Raihan Molla, and Riaz Hasan Molla, all residents of Khargachhi and students at Khargachhi Primary School.
Sadikul Molla sustained the most critical burn injuries. In a desperate attempt to escape the raging flames, one of the children reportedly jumped into a nearby pond to seek safety from the fire.
Hospital Authorities Confirm Serious Condition of Victims
Sisir Naskar, the Superintendent of MR Bangur Hospital, provided an update on the medical status of the injured children. "Three children were admitted in very serious condition, and one of them remains critical," Naskar stated, highlighting the severity of their injuries. The hospital is providing urgent medical care to the young victims as they fight for recovery.
Authorities Respond and Investigate the Incident
The explosion prompted an immediate response from local authorities and law enforcement agencies. Bhangar division Deputy Commissioner Saikat Ghosh and Canning Purba MLA Shaukat Molla quickly reached the site to assess the situation. Police cordoned off the area to secure the scene and facilitate the investigation.
Specialized teams from Kolkata Police, including the bomb squad and dog squad, were dispatched to visit the site. Their involvement underscores the seriousness with which authorities are treating this incident, as they work to determine the exact cause of the explosion and ensure no further threats exist.
Residents Express Anger Over Safety Negligence
Angry local residents have raised serious questions about why highly inflammable materials were left unattended in a densely populated residential zone. The drum was reportedly placed near a 7-kilometer road stretch undergoing repair from Ghatakpukur to Madhya Khargachhi, raising concerns about safety protocols during public infrastructure projects.
This tragic event has sparked outrage in the community, with many demanding accountability and stricter enforcement of safety regulations to prevent such hazardous situations in the future. The investigation is ongoing as authorities seek to address these critical public safety issues.
