Kolkata, 20 August (H.S.) : A blast at a firecracker manufacturing unit in Champahati, South 24 Parganas, triggered panic in the area on Thursday. Two people were injured in the incident and are reported to be in critical condition. They have been admitted to a local hospital.

According to local sources, firecrackers were allegedly being manufactured inside a room constructed on a plot of land some distance away from the residential area. A powerful explosion occurred while the manufacturing work was underway. The exact cause of the blast is yet to be ascertained.

Following the incident, local residents staged a protest alleging that firefighters reached the spot late. A large police contingent was deployed to control the situation. Additional Superintendent of Police of the Baruipur Police District, Atish Biswas, was also present at the site.

The blast left the premises severely damaged. The tin roof and structure of the room were completely destroyed, while charred bamboo poles and other materials were scattered around the site. Smoke was still seen rising from several spots after the explosion. Trees and vegetation in the surrounding area were also damaged.

Baruipur Police are investigating the circumstances that led to the explosion and whether firecrackers were being manufactured illegally at the site. A detailed investigation has been initiated.

Champahati has witnessed a similar incident earlier this year. In January, a blast at a firecracker manufacturing unit in the area claimed one life.

Several incidents involving explosions at allegedly illegal firecracker units have also been reported from South and North 24 Parganas, as well as Paschim Medinipur and Nadia districts.

In 2015, an explosion at a firecracker factory in Pingla, Paschim Medinipur, killed 10 minors. Several inquiry committees were subsequently formed and authorities announced measures to curb illegal firecracker manufacturing. However, Thursday’s incident in Champahati has once again raised questions over the effectiveness of efforts to prevent illegal firecracker production in the state.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh