Seven persons were injured in a major fire at a firecracker factory at Sonarpur in South 24 Paraganas district on Sunday. Among the injured, three are in a critical condition.
The incident took place in the Gobindapur area around 12.30 p.m. Locals said they heard several loud explosions soon after the blaze engulfed the factory. Not only was the factory completely gutted but several nearby houses were also damaged by the explosion. Four fire tendered rushed to the spot and doused the flames after almost an hour.
The incident generated severe discontent among locals who alleged that even though the factory had no licence it was allowed to run by the district administration.