A devastating explosion and fire on Monday night claimed the lives of eight members of a family at Patharpratima in South 24 Parganas district. The tragedy, which also killed four children, including two newborns, was allegedly triggered by fireworks stored inside their home. The situation worsened when a gas cylinder exploded, causing further destruction.
The Banik family had been involved in firework manufacturing for generations and reportedly hold a valid licence for the trade. The business was run by two brothers, Chandrakanta Banik and Tushar Banik, who operated a firework factory just a few metres from their home at Raipur village in Patharpratima.
South 24 Parganas, West Bengal: A powerful explosion occurred while making firecrackers in Patharpratima under, Dholaahat police station limits, resulting in the death of two people and leaving several others seriously injured pic.twitter.com/AjVoNOt6dS
— IANS (@ians_india) March 31, 2025
Local police have launched an investigation into the cause of the explosion, which killed Chandrakanta and Tushar’s father, Aravinda Banik (65), their grandmother, Prabhavati Banik (80), Chandrakanta’s wife, Santwana Banik (28), and his two children, Arnab Banik (9) and Asmita Banik (8 months). Tushar’s wife, Rupa Banik, and their two children, Anushka Banik (6) and Ankit Banik (6 months), also lost their lives in the blast.
The first explosion took place at around 9:30pm on Monday. As locals rushed to contain the fire, additional blasts followed. Despite their efforts, the intensity of the flames made it impossible to control the fire or rescue those trapped inside the house.
Patharpratima MLA Samir Kumar Jana, who visited the site on Monday night, stated that the Baniks were likely selling fireworks directly from their residence. He speculated that the explosion might have occurred due to the accidental ignition of the fireworks stored inside the house.
However, questions are being raised about whether illegal firework manufacturing was taking place under the guise of a licenced green firework business. Forensic experts are collecting samples for investigation.
A large police force has been deployed at the explosion site. The factory owners, Chandrakanta and Tushar, have been booked under non-bailable offence.
