Children among six injured in blast in Bidar district

Six persons, including four children, were injured, two of them critically, following an explosion at Molkera village in Humnabad taluk of Bidar district on Saturday morning, triggering panic among residents.

The injured have been identified as Jabbar Razak, 60, Anwar Zameer Sab, 19, and four children, Buseera Allauddin, 4, Aareez Razak Sab, 4, Arzan Razak, 7, and Mastan Musa, 8. While the four children were undergoing treatment at BRIMS Hospital in Bidar city and were said to be recovering, Jabbar and Anwar sustained serious injuries and were shifted to hospitals in Hyderabad and Solapur respectively for further treatment.

According to eyewitnesses, the explosion occurred between 8.30 a.m. and 9 a.m. near a house in the village, close to the Hyderabad-Mumbai National Highway. The villagers said a loud blast sent debris, including plastic and other fragments, into the air. Several people were found bleeding and hurt when local residents rushed to the spot, following which ambulances were called.

Police teams, along with the bomb disposal squad, sniffer dog unit, and forensic science laboratory officials, visited the site and collected samples for examination.

Kalaburagi Range Inspector-General of Police Shantanu Sinha and Bidar Superintendent of Police (SP) Pradeep Gunti inspected the spot and took stock of the situation.

Mr. Gunti said preliminary investigation suggested that the paint and other chemicals that were stored in a barrel might have caused the explosion. “At this stage, it appears to be an accidental explosion involving chemicals. The exact cause will be confirmed after a detailed investigation and forensic analysis,” he said.

However, the villagers expressed doubts over the explanation, alleging that the explosion was similar to previous incidents reported in the area. They claimed that this was the sixth such blast in recent times and pointed out that a few days ago, a boy had lost his leg in a similar incident.

Minister for Forest and in charge of Bidar district Eshwar Khandre expressed shock over the incident and ordered a detailed probe.

Mr. Khandre directed officials to ensure immediate and appropriate medical treatment for the injured and announced that the entire cost of treatment would be borne by the district administration.

The Minister instructed that explosive ordnance experts be deputed to the spot without delay and warned of stringent legal action against those found responsible.

The police said further investigation was under way to determine the nature of the object involved and the circumstances that led to the blast.