Boy dies of explosion injuries at Phagwara

A pall of gloom descended on the Pipa Rangi locality, Phagwara, after receiving the news of death of Ashish (13), who succumbed to his burn injuries in Guru Nanak Dev Hospital, Amritsar, late last night due by a powerful explosion on Saturday in Sham Nagar.

The entire family and neighbours were waiting for the body from Amritsar which was delayed due to road blockade by farmers and funeral would be done on Monday. The condition of the other child Aman (14) was said to be critical.

Despite the tragedy, the police have not registered an FIR yet.

Two minor boys sustained critical injuries caused by a powerful explosion on the rooftop of a house near Shivpuri in Sham Nagar, Phagwara, on Dasehra.

The preliminary reports said the explosion occurred due to filling the potassium, a chemical commonly used in firecrackers, in pipes to burst crackers.

The police said potassium was recovered from the scene. The police suspect the explosion occurred while the children were grinding potash.

A detailed investigation was in progress and the exact cause would be determined once all evidence was examined.

The police said the incident raised serious questions about how such children gained access to such dangerous substances. They said the possibility of illegal firecracker manufacturing or storage also warranted investigation.