Bengal: Seven Dead, Several Injured In Explosion At Illegal Firecracker Unit In Egra

Seven people have died while several others were injured in an explosion at Egra in West Bengal's Purba Medinipur district.

Following a massive explosion in West Bengal's East Midnapore district, people gather at a bomb-making factory. ( Image Source :PTI )

Seven people have died while several others were injured in an explosion at Egra in West Bengal's Purba Medinipur district, Police said on Tuesday. The blast took place at an illegal firecracker unit located in Egra in Purba Medinipur district, the PTI report said. Police said that the factory building collapsed after the explosion occurred. Police are currently carrying out a probe to ascertain the details of the blast.

West Bengal | Seven people have died in an explosion in a factory in Egra, confirms the Superintendent of Police of East Midnapore.

Details awaited.

— ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2023

The impact of the explosion "was so tremendous" that the factory, which was being run from a residential building, collapsed, a police officer said, quoted PTI. 

State Environment Minister Manas Ranjan Bhunia confirmed the explosion and expressed his condolences to the victims. He stated that the government would take steps to assist those affected. "We appeal to people to inform us of any illegal firecracker factories that they know of in their area... we will take strong steps against such units," he said.

According to a police officer, the impact of the explosion "was so massive" that the factory, which was run from a residential building, collapsed.

Officials had previously stated that three people had died. However, as more people were injured, the figures were updated.

"It happened inside a house where the firecracker unit was in use. An investigation is underway," the cop added. Villagers told PTI that the entire house resembled a "war zone". 

Mamata Banerjee, the chief minister, has ordered a CID investigation into the incident. She stated that the owner of the aforementioned establishment is currently evading authorities. According to the CM, the owner had previously faced charges and received bail, and there were reports that he had fled to Odisha.

"We will give Rs 2.5 lakh each to the families of the deceased and will provide free treatment and Rs 1 lakh each to the injured," Mamata Banerjee said. 

We are saddened by the incident. The injured have been admitted to the hospital. The case will be investigated by CID. We will give Rs 2.5 lakh each to the families of the deceased and will provide free treatment and Rs 1 lakh each to the injured: Mamata Banerjee, West Bengal CM pic.twitter.com/g8AgP0ylbt

— ANI (@ANI) May 16, 2023