Explosion at firecracker factory kills worker

Kolkata: A 17-year-old youth was charred to death after the fire cracker factory in where he was working caught fire following an explosion.

The incident that took place in Magrahat, South 24-Parganas triggered tension among locals who alleged that the fire cracker factory was operating in the area illegally. Police and fire officials are yet to ascertain the exact cause of the explosion. Police are looking for the owner of the factory who has reportedly been absconding since the incident took place.

Locals informed the police that they heard a sound of an explosion inside the factory on Friday morning. When they reached the spot they found the victim was wreathing in pain after suffering from burn injuries all over his body.

The victim was immediately rushed to Magrahat primary health centre and was immediately shifted to Diamond Harbour hospital as his condition deteriorated where he succumbed to his injuries.

A fire tender was pressed into action to douse the flames. The fire was brought under control within one hour. According to the fire department officials, the fire crackers exploded after the room caught fire. The cause of the fire is yet to be confirmed by the police and fire brigade. Samples were collected from the spot.

According to preliminary investigation, there was no proper fire safety mechanism inside the factory.

Locals told the police that they had raised the issue with the local administration as it was running without fire clearance but no steps were taken in this regard. Police are fire officials are conducting probe in this regard.