2 children critically injured in 'potassium blast' at Phagwara

Two minor boys sustained critical injuries after a powerful explosion on the rooftop of a house near Shivpuri at Sham Nagar here caused panic in the area on Saturday afternoon. The injured minors have been rushed to hospital.

Preliminary investigation suggests that the explosion occurred while filling potassium, a chemical used in firecrackers, in pipes. The police have launched an investigation.

With the help of local residents, the injured children identified as Ashish (13) and Aman (14)were first admitted to the Civil Hospital, but given the severity of their condition, they were transferred to a private hospital in Jalandhar. However, as their situation worsened, they were further referred to the PGI, Chandigarh, where their condition remains critical.

SHO City Amandep Nahar said potassium and a metal rod seized from the scene would be examined. The police suspect that the explosion occurred while the children were grinding potash. He said some suspicious material from the site had also been taken for further analysis.

The incident has raised serious questions about how the children gained access to dangerous substances. The possibility of illegal firecracker manufacturing or storage would be investigated.