ChildDeath – Chemical Drum Blast Claims Young Life in Bengal
ChildDeath – A nine-year-old boy who sustained severe burn injuries after a chemical drum exploded in West Bengal has died during treatment, hospital authorities confirmed on Wednesday. The incident has raised concerns over safety practices at roadside construction sites in the state.
Explosion During Roadside Play
The child, identified as Sadikul Ahmed from Kharigachi village in the Bhangar area, had been undergoing treatment since February 17. According to police officials, the explosion occurred in Madhya Kharigachi village when four children were playing close to a roadside spot where road repair materials had been stored.
Investigators said a drum containing chemicals meant for construction work suddenly burst, triggering a powerful blast. The impact left all four children with serious burn injuries. Residents rushed them to a nearby primary health centre immediately after the incident.
Critical Injuries and Hospital Transfer
As the condition of three of the children worsened, doctors referred them to MR Bangur Hospital for advanced treatment. Medical staff there confirmed that Sadikul had suffered approximately 95 percent burns and was admitted to the intensive care unit.
Despite continuous monitoring and critical care support, he succumbed to his injuries at around 5:55 am on Wednesday, hospital sources said. Doctors described his condition as extremely critical from the time of admission.
The two other children who were shifted to the Kolkata hospital remain under observation. Officials stated that their health condition is currently stable, though they continue to receive medical supervision.
Allegations Over Unattended Materials
Family members of the injured children have questioned the handling of hazardous materials at the site. They alleged that a drum containing nearly 200 litres of diesel had been left unattended in a densely populated residential area for road construction work. According to them, the presence of such flammable material without proper supervision posed a serious risk to local residents, especially children.
Police officials said they are examining the circumstances under which the drum was stored and whether safety norms were violated. Authorities are also verifying whether the materials were properly secured and monitored at the time of the explosion.
Focus on Construction Site Safety
The incident has once again drawn attention to safety measures at small-scale infrastructure projects carried out near residential neighbourhoods. Experts note that road repair activities often involve the temporary storage of fuel, chemicals, and other potentially hazardous substances. Without clear barricading and supervision, such materials can pose dangers, particularly in areas where children frequently gather.
Local administration officials have indicated that appropriate action will be taken if negligence is established during the investigation. They also stated that guidelines related to the storage of flammable materials and construction chemicals would be reviewed to prevent similar tragedies.
The death of the young boy has left the village community in mourning. Residents described Sadikul as an active child who was playing near his home when the explosion occurred. Community members have urged authorities to ensure stricter monitoring of roadside construction activities to avoid future accidents.
As the investigation continues, officials have assured that all aspects of the incident, including material handling and site supervision, are being examined carefully.