Three dead, several injured in Madhyamgram warehouse explosion; Investigation launched

The explosion in Badute, near Madhyamgram, has resulted in the tragic loss of three lives and left several others injured. The incident occurred on Wednesday at a warehouse primarily used for petrol refining, a process that inherently involves significant safety risks. According to local reports, around 15 workers were on duty during the incident, with 4-5 individuals trapped inside when the fire erupted. The severity of the explosion and subsequent fire has raised urgent questions about the safety protocols in place at such facilities.

Eyewitnesses reported that the fire ignited suddenly, with flammable materials in the warehouse contributing to its rapid spread. Local residents attempted to douse the flames before emergency services arrived, but the intensity of the blaze made it difficult to control. Firefighters worked diligently to contain the fire and rescue trapped workers, but the situation was exacerbated by the presence of volatile substances, which hampered their efforts. The warehouse was reportedly known for storing large quantities of petrol, heightening the risk of such an incident.

In the immediate aftermath of the explosion, one worker was found dead on the scene, while two others were rescued with severe burns covering approximately 80% of their bodies. These injured workers were rushed to Barasat Hospital for urgent medical treatment. Tragically, they succumbed to their injuries the following morning, bringing the death toll to three. A fourth worker, identified as Kuldeep Singh, remains in critical condition and has been transferred to a specialized medical facility in Kolkata for advanced care.

The local community has expressed outrage and concern, particularly for the families of the victims. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by the local fire department, which is conducting a thorough examination of the site to determine the factors that led to the explosion. Initial reports indicate that safety measures may have been inadequate, but authorities have yet to confirm this.