A powerful explosion devastated a firecracker manufacturing unit in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district on Saturday, critically injuring four individuals and triggering a major fire. The incident occurred in the Haral area of Champahati, sending shockwaves through the locality and causing significant structural damage.
Scene of Devastation and Rescue Efforts
The blast took place during operational hours while workers were present inside the factory. The force of the explosion was so intense that it gutted a section of the building and destroyed a large tree standing nearby, according to local residents who witnessed the aftermath. Immediately following the blast, a fire broke out, prompting emergency services to dispatch fire tenders to the spot to control the flames.
The injured victims, all in serious condition, were initially rushed to the Baruipur Super Speciality Hospital for urgent medical attention. Given the severity of their injuries, they were subsequently shifted to advanced healthcare facilities in Kolkata for specialized treatment. Reports indicate one of the victims has sustained devastating burns covering 90 per cent of their body.
Police Investigation Launched, Owner Absconds
Law enforcement authorities swiftly arrived at the scene following alerts about the explosion. Pratap Sengupta, the Additional Superintendent of Police for the Baruipur Police District, confirmed the police response. "We received information about an explosion at a firecracker factory in the Haral area of Champahati on Saturday morning. The police have reached the spot. The injured have been taken to a medical centre. The cause of the explosion is being investigated," Sengupta stated.
In a significant development, police sources revealed that the owner of the house where the factory was operating is currently absconding. This has added a layer of complexity to the ongoing probe as authorities work to determine the exact circumstances and potential negligence that led to the tragedy.
A History of Similar Tragedies
This incident casts a grim shadow over the area, which has witnessed similar deadly accidents in the recent past. In December 2024, just a few months prior, three people lost their lives in another explosion at a firecracker factory in Champahati. The recurrence of such a dangerous event highlights persistent safety concerns and regulatory failures in the region's informal firecracker manufacturing sector.
The investigation led by the Baruipur police district is now focused on uncovering the root cause of the blast, which could involve faulty manufacturing processes, improper storage of volatile materials, or a lack of necessary safety protocols. The community remains on edge as questions about the legality and oversight of such hazardous units come to the forefront once again.
