Narendrapur: 12 injured in firecracker explosion

Kolkata: At least 12 persons were injured after firecrackers exploded during a programme at Kandarpapur in Narendrapur on Sunday evening.

The injured persons have been rushed to nearby hospitals in Kolkata with severe burn injuries. Two of the critically injured have been shifted to M R Bangur Hospital.

According to locals, a club at Kandarpapur had arranged a sports competition in the area on Sunday and the prize distribution ceremony was going on since evening. At around 8:30 pm, a fireworks display was arranged. For the purpose, huge quantity of firecrackers was brought which were being lit by the members close to the area where they were stored.

All of a sudden, a spark from the crackers fell on the pile and a huge explosion took place. There was panic among the onlookers and several people, in order to save themselves, jumped in a nearby swamp.

Due to the explosion, a portion of a house adjacent to the incident spot also caught fire. As the intensity was low, the owner of the house was able to douse the flames with the help of the locals.

It was alleged that there was no permission obtained from the police and civic authorities before conducting the event.