3 children killed in firecrackers blast in West Bengal's Howrah

Three children were killed and two were severely injured in a fire caused by a firecracker explosion in the Howrah district of the Indian state of West Bengal on Friday (Nov 1).

Police said the incident took place in Uluberia’s Bazarpara area of the district.

The victims were identified as 14-year-old Tania Mistry, 6-year-old Ishaan Dhara, and 8-year-old Mumtaz Khatun.

Police said the blast erupted when some residents, along with children, were bursting firecrackers in ward number 27 of Uluberia municipality. The sparks ignited more firecrackers that were kept nearby, causing a blaze. The blaze led to a cylinder explosion in the adjacent house, and all the family members, including the killed children, were trapped.

As two fire tenders reached the spot and the children were taken to hospital, doctors at Uluberia Medical College and Hospital declared them dead.

According to a report by Indian Express, the West Bengal Fire Services Minister Sujit Bose expressed “deep sorrow” over the incident, saying, “It is tragic. I will visit the area.”

The state's Union Minister for Education and Bengal BJP chief Sukanta Majumdar demanded a “thorough investigation” into the incident, the report said.

Majumdar said, "This incident is heartbreaking amid Diwali festivities. In this situation, I am standing with their bereaved parents and family members. I humbly request the administration to stand with the families. At the same time, I demand a full investigation from the administration.”

Sorrow and agony covered the town after the incident.

(With inputs from agencies)