Fireworks explosion claims 2 lives in Gopalganj

Patna: A man and his niece died in a fireworks explosion near Vrindawan village under Uchagaon police station area in Gopalganj district on Thursday. The incident took place when both were going to Thawe from Mirganj to deliver firecrackers for a wedding on a scooter that collided with a car, causing explosion in the firecrackers. The deceased were identified as Mithun Sonar (32) and his three-year-old niece, Aarohi Kumari, residents of Mirganj. Mithun was in the fireworks business.
Mirganj circle officer (CO), Rupam Sharma, said, "Mithun and his niece Aarohi suffered severe burn injuries in the incident. Local residents took them to sadar hospital, where doctors, considering their critical condition, referred both to Gorakhpur. However, the duo succumbed to their injuries on the way."
Meanwhile, a spark from the explosion also caused fire in three houses. The blaze destroyed household items and burned Rs 3 lakh cash. "Reportedly, the flames first reached the porch and then engulfed the house of Badshah Mahto, who was having lunch with his family at the time. However, the family managed to escape. The fire was so intense that strong winds spread it to the neighbouring house of Chandeshwar Mahto. Subsequently, people called the fire brigade and police, but they arrived late, leading to an angry crowd blocking the road," the CO said.
The CO added that an adequate compensation would be given to the family of the deceased as well as the house owners. The police have sent the bodies for a postmortem and started investigating the case.