Explosion at Champahati firecracker factory kills one, three injured in blast

A fatal explosion took place on Saturday afternoon at the home of firecracker trader Pintoo Mondal in the Sardar Para area of Haral village, under the Champahati Gram Panchayat in Baruipur. The explosion was so powerful that it caused the house to collapse, blowing off the roof and causing extensive damage to nearby properties. Local residents reported hearing a loud bang, prompting immediate response to the scene.

The explosion resulted in the severe injury of three people: Pintoo Mondal, Shankari Sardar, and Bhakti Sardar. They were rushed to M.R. Bangur Hospital in Kolkata, where Shankari Sardar later succumbed to his injuries. Pintoo Mondal and Bhakti Sardar are reported to be in critical condition. Arpita Sardar, another occupant, sustained severe burns to 80% of her body and is receiving treatment for her injuries. The explosion also triggered a fire that engulfed the house, which was attempted to be extinguished by local residents.

Reports indicate that a large quantity of firecrackers had been stored at Mondal’s home, with the explosion believed to have been caused by an ignition of the stockpile. The blast’s intensity was so high that it created shockwaves heard from a significant distance. After the explosion, the affected area was engulfed in flames, causing further destruction. Local residents responded quickly to the scene, but the damage to the house was extensive.

The cause of the explosion is currently under investigation by the Baruipur police. Preliminary investigations suggest that the explosion may have been caused by a fire starting in the firecrackers stored in the house, although there is no official confirmation. Some reports suggest that a gas cylinder in the vicinity may have ignited the firecrackers, but this has not been verified. Police are conducting a thorough examination of the site to determine the exact cause of the explosion.

This incident is part of a broader concern regarding the safety of firecracker manufacturing and storage in residential areas. Firecracker production in the region is largely informal, with many households involved in the industry. Despite the dangers posed by such practices, the unregulated nature of this industry has led to frequent accidents. Last year, a similar explosion in Nilganj, Dattapukur, resulted in the death of nine people. Authorities are exploring measures to address the safety issues, including the establishment of a firecracker cluster and fire station in the area to prevent further incidents.