Tragic Explosion in Jorhat Claims Lives of Two, Including Child
Devastating Blast in Jorhat
Jorhat, Mar 28: A significant explosion shook a crowded neighborhood in Jorhat on Saturday afternoon, resulting in the deaths of two individuals, one of whom was a child, and leaving two others in critical condition.
Nur Mohammad, a resident from Nagaon, was pronounced dead at the scene. An eight-year-old boy, Iqbal Ahmed, later succumbed to his injuries at Jorhat Medical College and Hospital.
The two injured individuals are currently receiving treatment at the same facility, where their conditions remain serious.
The explosion took place around 3:30 PM at a rented residence in Rajamaidam New Colony, reportedly owned by Ansari Malik. The blast reverberated throughout the area, causing widespread panic among the locals.
Authorities initially speculated that the explosion was due to a gas cylinder, but upon arrival, they found no signs of fire. Superintendent of Police Subhra Jyoti Bora mentioned that it seemed to involve some form of explosive device. Witnesses indicated that the victim was attempting to dismantle a small fire extinguisher.
The police suspect that the victim was trying to extract metal from the extinguisher for resale. However, the origin of the item remains unclear, and further questioning of associates may provide additional insights.
A forensic team has been dispatched to gather evidence from the scene to ascertain the cause of the explosion.
“The forensic analysis will require some time. A dog squad was also brought in, but no significant findings were reported,” the officer stated.
Residents described the explosion's force as extremely intense.
“We heard a loud bang and rushed outside. Initially, we thought it was an LPG cylinder explosion, but it turned out to be something else. Neighbors mentioned that the victims were unpacking an item when it detonated. The blast was so powerful that one person was thrown nearly 15 feet away,” recounted a local.
This incident has heightened concerns among the community, especially given its occurrence in a densely populated area.