Two individuals have passed away due to injuries sustained in the firecracker factory explosion in Champahati, South 24 Parganas district, bringing the total death count to three, as confirmed by the police. Rahul Mandal, one of the injured, succumbed at a nearby hospital on Monday night, following the death of Biswajit Mandal at the same hospital earlier on Monday, and Gourhari Gangopadhyay at MR Bangur Hospital on Sunday. Another injured worker, Kishan Adhikari, is currently receiving treatment at MR Bangur Hospital.
The explosion, which occurred on Saturday morning at a firecracker factory in Haral village, Champahati, resulted in the destruction of the brick-built structure and the blowing off of the asbestos roof. Additionally, neighboring houses suffered minor damages as a consequence of the blast. Four workers, namely Gourhari Gangopadhyay, Biswajit Mandal, Rahul Mandal, and Kishan Adhikari, were rescued in critical condition and admitted to hospitals in Kolkata.
Authorities have reported the filing of a case against the factory owner, who is presently evading authorities. Search operations have been launched to locate the absconding owner. Concerns have been raised by residents regarding the firecracker cluster project, highlighting delays despite the completion of land acquisition in one phase. Residents have expressed their reluctance to surrender their land until the government provides a clear timeline for the project’s completion.
Since Saturday, officers from Baruipur police station have been engaged in surveillance and search efforts in the vicinity. However, no arrests have been made thus far.
