At least two people were killed and four others injured after a mortar shell, reportedly carried by the floodwaters of the Teesta exploded, in West Bengal's Jalpaiguri district on Thursday. According to a PTI report, the mortar shell likely belonged to the Army and was carried by flood water flowing downhill following the cloudburst and flash floods in Sikkim on Wednesday. The incident took place in Chapadanga village in Kranti block when one person took it home to sell it as scrap metal and tried to break it open. Those killed in the incident were yet to be identified.
"The four injured persons have been admitted to a hospital. A thorough probe has started," a senior police officer said. "The condition of at least two injured persons is extremely critical and the death toll might increase,” he added.
Police Say Flood Washed Away Military Equipment
The Jalpaiguri Police issued an advisory urging people not to handle any firearms or explosives flowing down the river.
"In light of the severe flooding in Sikkim, certain military equipment including firearms and explosives were carried by the Teesta River. We urge the public to be vigilant and report any unfamiliar objects, crates, packages, firearms or any suspicious items seen floating in the water to the nearest police station immediately.
The police further added that these items pose a risk of dangerous explosions.
Adding to this, the Sikkim government also issued an advisory asking people to be careful if they venture to the Teesta River basin as there could be explosives and ammunition lying under the muddy waters.
"These ammunition should not be handled or picked up inadvertently as they could explode causing grievous injuries," the state Land Revenue & Disaster Management Department said in an advisory. People have been advised to bring to the notice of the authorities in case they find any explosive materials in the river basin.