- विज्ञापन -
Kolkata: At least six people, including three children, have reportedly lost their lives following a significant explosion at an illegal firecracker factory in Patharpratima, South 24 Parganas district, West Bengal, on Monday night.
The explosion occurred around 10 p.m. at the residence of a local resident, Chandranath Banik. Residents were alerted by the sound of the blast, and upon reaching the scene, they found the entire house engulfed in flames.
Local individuals began attempts to extinguish the fire, and were later joined by a large team of police from the nearby Dholahat police station and members of the state fire services. As of this report, the fire had not yet been fully suppressed.
So far, six charred bodies, including those of three children, have been recovered, and locals fear that the casualty count may rise as comprehensive rescue operations have yet to commence.
Samir Jana, the local Trinamool Congress legislator from the Patharpratima Assembly constituency, arrived at the site and was seen overseeing the firefighting and rescue efforts. He confirmed that, according to the latest information he received, six charred bodies had been found in the burning house.
In recent years, West Bengal has frequently made headlines due to fatalities resulting from explosions in illegal firecracker factories or warehouses. Earlier this year, in February, four individuals were killed and many injured in a blast at a firecracker factory in Kalyani, Nadia district. In 2023, nine people died in a similar explosion at an illegal firecracker factory in Egra, East Midnapore district. There have also been incidents in Budge Budge, South 24 Parganas, and Duttapukur, North 24 Parganas, resulting in numerous casualties.
In the wake of such incidents, the administration has consistently promised strong actions against illegal firecracker operations. Police raids occur temporarily but often lose momentum soon after.
