Two children hurt in explosion at Phagwara

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

The injured children were rushed to a hospital for treatment.

The police said the preliminary investigation suggests the explosion occurred due to filling the potassium, a chemical commonly used in firecrackers in pipes to burst crackers. The Phagwara police have launched an investigation into the matter. The police said the injured children — Ashish (13) and Aman (14) — were rushed to the Phagwara Civil Hospital with the help of local residents. They said, given the severity of the children’s condition, they were transferred to a private hospital. However, as their situation worsened, the children were further referred to PGI Chandigarh for advanced care.

City Station House Officer Amandeep Nahar said the materials of potassium involving a metal rod were recovered from the scene. He said potassium and other items were also seized for further examination. The police suspect the explosion occurred while the children were grinding potash.

The Station House Officer said a detailed investigation was in progress and the exact cause would be determined once all evidence was examined. He added that some suspicious materials from the site have been seized for further analysis.

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