1 dead, 8 hurt in minor explosions while pouring kerosene

Two-three reports have come regarding similar incidents. One family said the lamp exploded when kerosene was being poured into it. In another incident, kerosene container caught fire while filling the lamp. We are probing... VIDYABHUSAN KUMAR , Hazaribag SDO

RANCHI: A two-year-old died and eight others received burn injuries following minor explosions and fire took place while pouring kerosene oil in lamps in four different villages under Sadar block in Hazaribag district over the past three days, an official said on Wednesday.

A state team led by joint secretary of food, public distribution and consumer affairs department Shantanu Agrahari reached Hazaribag on Tuesday to investigate the matter. “I came to know about the development. Will be able comment on it after spot investigation is done,” he said.

Hazaribag sub-divisional officer (SDO) Vidyabhusan Kumar said distribution of kerosene has been stopped in the affected areas with immediate effect and people have been requested to stop using the oil until the sample test report comes.

According to district administration, four people in Amnari village, two in Sarouni village, two in Pardih village and one in Chutiyaro village have received injuries. Grievously injured two-year-old girl Kedar Ram died in Pardih.

The SDO said, “Two-three reports have come regarding similar incidents. One family said the lamp exploded when

My wife was filling up kerosene lamps... The container from which she was pouring oil caught fire. My two-year-old daughter was standing beside her at the time of incident. Both of them received burn injuries.

2-YEAR-OLD VICTIM’S FATHER

kerosene was being poured into it. In another incident, kerosene container caught fire while a person was filling the lamp. We are investigating the incidents. Anything concrete could be said after probe is over.”

We have collected samples of kerosene and sent to IOCL Ranchi for testing to find if there is anything suspicious in the oil, he added.

Meanwhile, Kedar Ram’s father while giving details about the incident said, “It was around 6pm on Sunday when my wife was filling up kerosene lamps. The container from which she was pouring oil caught fire like petrol. My twoyear-old child was standing beside her mother at the time of incident. Both of them received burn injuries. Kedar was referred to RIMS on Monday where doctors declared her brought dead.”