Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata
Kolkata, Jan 11: One of the four individuals critically injured in a powerful explosion at a firecracker manufacturing unit in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district has died, police confirmed on Sunday.
The deceased, identified as 70-year-old Gouhari Ganguly, passed away around 1.30 am while undergoing treatment at MR Bangur Hospital in Kolkata. Ganguly had suffered nearly 80 per cent burn injuries in the incident.
A senior Kolkata Police official stated that Ganguly was among those most severely injured and could not survive despite medical intervention. The remaining three victims — Gour Gangopadhyay, Kishan Mandal and Rahul Mandal — continue to be in critical condition, doctors said.
The explosion took place on Saturday at Haral village in the Champahati area under the jurisdiction of Baruipur Police Station. According to police sources, investigations are ongoing, and the owner of the firecracker unit has reportedly gone into hiding.
Following the blast, the Fire Department was alerted, and at least one fire engine was immediately dispatched to control the blaze. Additional Superintendent of Police of Baruipur Police District, Rupantar Sengupta, said authorities are probing the exact cause of the explosion.
Local residents reported hearing a loud blast from the unit, where several workers were engaged in manufacturing firecrackers at the time. The force of the explosion was so intense that a portion of the structure collapsed, and a large nearby tree caught fire.
Police personnel rushed to the scene after being informed and arranged for the injured to be taken to Baruipur Super Speciality Hospital. They were later shifted to MR Bangur Hospital for advanced treatment.
Villagers alleged that the explosion occurred at the residence of firecracker trader Pintu Mondal, which was completely gutted in the ensuing fire. They also pointed out that a similar incident had occurred in the same Sardar Para area of Haral village roughly a year ago, raising concerns over safety and regulatory oversight.