Howrah, India – A devastating fire in Howrah district on Friday evening resulted in the tragic deaths of three children while they were participating in Diwali festivities. The incident occurred in the Bazarpara area of Uluberia, shocking the community during a time meant for celebration.* According to police reports, the victims—Tania Mistry, 14, Ishan Dhara, 6, and Mumtaz Khatun, 8—were among a group of local residents who were bursting firecrackers in Ward No. 27 when sparks from the fireworks ignited nearby firecrackers. This caused a subsequent explosion of a gas cylinder in a neighboring house, where the three children were trapped inside.
Eyewitness accounts describe a scene of chaos as flames engulfed the home. Despite immediate efforts by neighbors to rush the children to a nearby hospital, medical personnel pronounced them dead upon arrival. In addition to the fatalities, two other children suffered serious injuries and are currently receiving treatment at Uluberia Medical College and Hospital. The house where the explosion occurred belonged to Kajal Shaikh, and one of the deceased children was from her family, while the others were neighbors. The tragic incident has prompted calls for a thorough investigation. Union Minister of State for Education and Bengal BJP chief Sukanta Majumdar expressed his condolences and emphasized the need for administrative support for the bereaved families.
“This incident is heartbreaking during the festival of Diwali. I stand with the bereaved parents and families in this time of grief. My humble request to the administration is to provide assistance to the families, and I demand a full inquiry into this incident,” he stated, highlighting the mourning that has now spread through the city. Meanwhile, another fire incident occurred in Mumbai at the Lodha Fiorenza building near Hub Mall in Goregaon. A level-1 fire broke out on the 30th floor at approximately 7:35 PM. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries as the Bombay Police, Adani Power Company employees, and the fire brigade responded promptly to control the situation. As the community of Howrah mourns the loss of young lives during a festive occasion, the focus now shifts to safety measures and the need for heightened awareness regarding the dangers of fireworks.
