Kanpur: How dangerous gunpowder is, the accident that took place in Sisamau area of Kanpur on the day of Diwali is clearly telling. The husband and wife were left in tatters in a blast that took place here on Thursday afternoon. Five vehicles parked around them were destroyed. The doors of nearby houses were uprooted and the walls cracked. Blood was flowing in the drains, there were blood splatters 40 meters away. Eyewitnesses say that after the blast there was smoke of gunpowder in the area. The suspicion is on the explosion of firecrackers. The scene was so heart-wrenching that it was not possible to even look at it. A part of the body of the killed person broke the grill of the neighboring window and fell inside. Pieces of his flesh were stuck on the walls and even the fan of this room. The family of the deceased said that the blast took place in a cylinder, while the rumor is that the blast took place in a sack of firecrackers.
The atmosphere in front of Ganesh Park in busy Gandhinagar of Sisamau was normal at around 12.30 pm on Thursday afternoon. People were busy preparing for Diwali. Here, Surendra Gaur (50) lived with his family in the house of Dargahi Lal, retired from the Municipal Corporation.
His son Ayush and daughter Saloni told after the incident that at around 12.30 their father came from the agency on a moped with a cylinder. From outside he called his wife Ramila (48). Ramila went out to remove the cylinder from the moped. Ayush was coming down the stairs to help him when suddenly there was a huge explosion.
Going outside he saw that his father’s body was in pieces. Mother was lying bleeding. Ramila was sent to Hallett Hospital but she died during treatment late in the evening. The cars and scooters parked at the spot were damaged by the explosion.
In this case, police say that initial investigation has revealed that there was a blast in the cylinder. But eyewitnesses say that after the blast there was no smell of gas but there was definitely the smell of gunpowder in the air. At present the matter is under investigation.
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us today. We’re here to discuss a tragic incident in Kanpur that underscores the dangers associated with gunpowder and firecrackers, especially during festive seasons like Diwali. Joining us is Dr. Anjali Verma, an expert in chemical safety and public health. Dr. Verma, thank you for being here.
Dr. Verma: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to shed light on an important and urgent topic.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. Recent reports from the Sisamau area of Kanpur tell us about a devastating blast that left a husband and wife severely injured, essentially “in tatters,” as the report notes. There was significant destruction to property, including five vehicles and nearby houses. From your expertise, how common are such incidents during festivals involving firecrackers?
Dr. Verma: Unfortunately, incidents like these are not as rare as we would hope. Festivals often see a spike in the use of firecrackers, which can lead to catastrophic accidents if safety measures aren’t strictly followed. The incident in Kanpur highlights the immediate danger posed by the misuse or mishandling of gunpowder – the explosive core of most firecrackers.
Editor: Eyewitnesses reported thick clouds of smoke and blood splatters up to 40 meters away. Can you explain what might have caused such extensive damage?
Dr. Verma: The force of an explosion can be magnified by several factors, including the amount of gunpowder involved and the confinement of the explosive material. When firecrackers are ignited, they produce not just noise but also shockwaves that can ruin windows, crack walls, and cause severe injury to individuals nearby. In this unfortunate instance, it appears that the blast radius was large, indicating a significant quantity of gunpowder was involved.
Editor: Speaking of shockwaves, what kind of injuries can people sustain in such explosions, especially in crowded areas during festivals?
Dr. Verma: Injuries can vary widely – from lacerations and burns to more severe traumas like fractures or even life-threatening injuries from shrapnel. Blood in the drains, as reported, suggests that the victims were likely not only affected by the blast force but also by splintered debris flying in all directions. The psychological impact of such incidents shouldn’t be overlooked either; witnesses often suffer from trauma well after the incident.
Editor: It’s clear that a lot of these explosions are preventable. What are some steps that individuals, families, and communities can take to protect themselves during celebrations?
Dr. Verma: Education is key. Communities should engage in awareness campaigns about the safe use of firecrackers. They should also promote alternatives such as silent fireworks or other non-explosive festivities. Families should ensure that if they choose to use firecrackers, they do so at a safe distance from people, property, and flammable materials. It’s also essential to follow all local regulations regarding firework use.
Editor: Are there any governmental regulations or safety measures currently in place that could help minimize these risks during festival seasons?
Dr. Verma: Yes, many regions have laws regulating the sale and use of firecrackers, especially in densely populated cities. Some limit the volume and type of fireworks that can be used, while others may enforce specific times when they can be ignited. However, enforcement can be challenging, and awareness needs to increase around these regulations to ensure compliance.
Editor: To wrap up, Dr. Verma, what do you hope for in terms of future celebrations during festivals like Diwali?
Dr. Verma: My hope is that we can shift towards safer and more responsible celebrations. It’s crucial that as a society, we recognize the risks associated with gunpowder and explore festive alternatives that foster joy without compromising safety. Long-term changes in attitudes and behaviors toward firecracker use can make a significant difference in preventing tragedies like what we saw in Kanpur.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Verma, for your insightful perspective on this serious topic. It’s essential that we all work together towards making our celebrations safe for everyone.
Dr. Verma: Thank you for the opportunity to discuss such an important issue. Let’s strive for a safer, more responsible festive season.