Four children sustained burns in Canning, South 24 Parganas, after a chemical-filled drum exploded, as reported by the police. The incident occurred while the children were playing near the roadside, with the explosion causing serious injuries to the minors. Three of the injured children have been taken to MR Bangur Hospital in Kolkata for treatment.
The explosion took place during repair work on a seven-kilometer road in Canning, where a drum containing approximately 200 liters of light diesel oil exploded. The children, aged between eight to ten years, were playing close to the drum when it suddenly burst, resulting in severe burns for one child and injuries for the others. Locals identified the children as students of Kharagachi Primary School.
Following the accident, the injured children were promptly rescued by locals and initially taken to Nalmuri Rural Hospital. Due to the worsening condition of three children, they were later transferred to MR Bangur Hospital. Among the injured, Sadiqul’s condition is reported to be critical. Authorities, including the Deputy Commissioner of Bhangar Police Division and a Trinamool MLA, visited the site to investigate the incident.
An investigation has been initiated by the police, with the Kolkata Police’s bomb squad and dog squad also examining the scene to determine the cause of the explosion. Concerns have been raised by locals regarding the safety protocols during the road repair work and the presence of flammable materials on the open road.
