Accident – West Bengal Blast Claims Life of Injured Child
Accident – A nine-year-old boy who sustained severe burn injuries after a chemical-filled drum exploded in West Bengal’s Bhangar area has died in hospital, officials confirmed on Wednesday. The child had been undergoing treatment for nearly two weeks following the incident.
Explosion During Roadside Play
The boy, identified as Sadikul Ahmed from Kharigachi village, was critically injured on February 17 when a drum containing chemicals reportedly burst near a roadside in the Madhya Kharigachi locality. According to police, four children had been playing close to the spot when the explosion occurred.
Residents said the blast happened suddenly, leaving the children with extensive burns. The injured were immediately rushed to a nearby primary health centre for emergency care. As their condition worsened, three of them were transferred to MR Bangur Hospital in Kolkata for advanced treatment.
Critical Condition and Intensive Care
Sadikul had suffered approximately 95 percent burn injuries and was admitted to the intensive care unit upon arrival at the hospital. Doctors monitored him closely as his condition remained critical over the following days.
Hospital sources stated that he passed away at around 5.55 am on Wednesday despite sustained medical efforts. The other two injured children, who were also undergoing treatment at the same facility, are currently reported to be in stable condition.
Medical professionals involved in the treatment indicated that severe burn injuries of such magnitude significantly reduce survival chances, particularly in young patients. The hospital has not issued any further details regarding the precise cause of death beyond complications arising from extensive burns.
Allegations of Negligence
Family members of the injured children have alleged that the drum, believed to contain nearly 200 litres of diesel or chemicals used for road repair work, had been left unattended in a densely populated area. They claim that inadequate safety precautions contributed to the tragedy.
Local residents echoed concerns about the storage of hazardous materials in residential zones without proper supervision. The presence of flammable substances near homes and areas where children play has raised questions about safety compliance during infrastructure projects.
Police officials have confirmed that an investigation is underway to determine the circumstances that led to the explosion. Authorities are examining whether established safety guidelines were followed during the road construction work in the area.
Community Shock and Administrative Response
The incident has left the local community in shock. Villagers described Sadikul as an active child who had been playing outdoors with friends when the accident occurred. His death has intensified calls for stricter oversight of construction materials stored in public spaces.
Administrative officials have yet to release a formal statement regarding accountability. However, sources indicated that relevant departments may review safety procedures related to road maintenance operations in the district.
Burn injury cases linked to construction materials are not common, but experts stress that even temporary storage of fuel or chemical containers in residential areas can pose serious risks if not properly secured. Ensuring that hazardous substances are clearly marked and safely placed is considered essential to preventing such accidents.
As the investigation continues, authorities are expected to gather statements from contractors and workers associated with the road repair project. Further action will depend on the findings of the inquiry.
Sadikul’s funeral arrangements were being made by his family later in the day. The community has extended support to the bereaved family while hoping for the swift recovery of the other injured children.