Tragedy struck the quiet village of Khadikul in West Bengal's Purba Medinipur district as a massive explosion rocked an illegal firecracker unit on Tuesday (May 16). According to local residents, the devastating blast occurred in what they allege was an illegal betting factory. The explosion resulted in multiple fatalities, with eyewitnesses describing the horrifying sight of burnt bodies scattered along the road. Unconfirmed reports suggest that at least nine individuals lost their lives, while approximately four others sustained severe injuries and were rushed to nearby hospitals.

The incident unfolded when the house of Bhanu Bagh in Khadikul village was violently jolted by a deafening sound around noon. Witnesses claim that the explosion's impact was felt within a one-kilometer radius, leaving the surrounding area in shock. Upon reaching the scene, concerned locals discovered charred bodies strewn on the road far away from the blast site.

Amidst the chaos, the CID (Criminal Investigation Department) team and a bomb squad were dispatched from Kolkata, arriving at the location around 9 pm. They are currently conducting an investigation and collecting samples from the scene to determine the cause of the explosion. BJP state president Sukant Majumdar has written to the central government, urging them to initiate an NIA (National Investigation Agency) probe into the incident. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced financial assistance of two and a half lakh rupees to support the affected families.

The tragic incident has highlighted the dangers posed by illegal firecracker units and raised concerns about illicit activities in the region. The community is now grappling with the aftermath of the explosion, while authorities strive to uncover the truth behind this devastating event.

Several injured after an explosion at an illegal firecracker unit located in
Khadikul village of Sahara Gram Panchayat of Egra block in Purba Medinipur district of West Bengal on Tuesday.

Local residents claim that this terrible explosion happened in an illegal betting factory. Due to this explosion, several dead bodies were scattered on the road. Eyewitnesses claimed that the bodies were completely burnt in the fire.
Unconfirmed reports claim that 9 people have died, with around 4 others taken to hospital with serious injuries.

According to local sources, the house of Bhanu Bagh in Khadikul village was suddenly shaken by a loud sound around noon. Local residents claimed that the area of ​​about 1 km was shaken by the intensity of the explosion. After this incident, when the locals rushed to the spot, they found burnt bodies lying on the road far away from the spot.

"There was an explosion in a house some distance from Odisha border. There were bets being made.

Meanwhile, the CID team at the spot, BJP state president Sukant Majumdar has written to the central government to order an NIA probe. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has announced financial assistance of two and a half lakh rupees to the family

Bomb squad and CID team arrived from Kolkata around 9 pm. They are collecting samples at the scene. District Superintendent of Police Amarnath K is with them.