KOLKATA, April 1, 2025 — In a tragic incident late Monday night, at least six people, including three children, were killed in a massive explosion at an illegal firecracker factory in Patharpratima, located in West Bengal’s South 24 Parganas district.
The explosion occurred around 10:00 PM at the residence of Chandranath Banik, where firecrackers were reportedly being manufactured illegally. The powerful blast engulfed the entire house in flames, leading to chaos and panic in the surrounding area.
Eyewitnesses Describe Horrific Scene
Locals said the blast was heard from a distance, prompting residents to rush to the site. Upon arrival, they found the house completely consumed by fire. Despite efforts to douse the flames, the blaze remained uncontrollable until teams from Dholahat Police Station and the state fire department arrived.
By Tuesday morning, firefighters had managed to extinguish the blaze completely. So far, six charred bodies have been recovered from the debris, including those of three children. Officials fear the death toll may rise, as more victims could be trapped under the rubble.
TMC MLA Confirms Casualties, Oversees Rescue Effort
Local TMC legislator Samir Jana, who represents the Patharpratima Assembly constituency, visited the site to supervise ongoing rescue and recovery operations. He confirmed the recovery of six bodies and assured that authorities are taking the matter seriously.
A Disturbing Pattern of Explosions in Illegal Firecracker Units
This latest tragedy is part of a disturbing pattern of deadly explosions in illegal firecracker factories across West Bengal:
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February 2025: A blast in Kalyani, Nadia district killed four people.
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May 2023: An explosion in Egra, East Midnapore claimed nine lives.
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Similar incidents have occurred in Budge Budge (South 24 Parganas) and Dattapukur (North 24 Parganas), with multiple fatalities.
Despite repeated warnings and short-term crackdowns, illegal firecracker units continue to operate, often within residential neighborhoods, posing grave risks to public safety.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
