Three injured in deadly blast at illegal firecracker factory in Champahati, Bengal

A powerful explosion occurred at an illegal firecracker manufacturing unit in the Sardar Para area of Haral village, Champahati, West Bengal, on Saturday afternoon, leaving three individuals seriously injured. The incident took place at the residence of Pintu Mandal, under Baruipur police station, and is believed to have been triggered by a gas cylinder explosion, which ignited a large stock of firecrackers stored in the house.

The blast’s intensity caused the complete destruction of the house, with walls collapsing and a massive fire breaking out. Firefighters, aided by local villagers, worked to extinguish the blaze. The three victims, Pintu Mandal, his wife Shubhamkari Sardar, and Bhakti Sardar, sustained severe burns. They were rushed to the M.R. Bangur Hospital in Kolkata for treatment, where they remain in critical condition.

The manufacturing unit was operating illegally in Mandal’s home, and the police are investigating whether it had the necessary permits or followed safety protocols. The explosion is believed to have occurred when the gas cylinder, likely used for cooking, ruptured and ignited the stored firecrackers. Following the explosion, the police were immediately alerted, and a team arrived at the scene to begin investigations into the cause and the legality of the operation.

This incident adds to a growing list of similar explosions in West Bengal linked to illegal firecracker factories. Last month, an explosion in Uluberia, Howrah, at another unauthorized factory caused extensive damage to more than 10 homes in the surrounding area. Earlier in May, a deadly blast occurred in Budge Budge, killing two women and one child. These incidents have raised significant concerns regarding the widespread existence of illegal firecracker units operating in residential areas without adherence to safety standards.

The police are continuing their investigation, with a focus on whether the firecracker unit had any licenses or was operating in violation of fire safety regulations. Authorities are also monitoring other firecracker factories in the region, conducting checks for compliance with local safety laws. The incident is a stark reminder of the dangers posed by unregulated firecracker manufacturing, especially when conducted in residential neighborhoods.