Four teenagers were injured — three of them seriously — when a barrel containing a chemical meant for mixing with bitumen exploded in Bhangar on Tuesday evening. The teenagers were crossing Khargachi in Ghatakpur, Bhangar, around 6pm on Tuesday on their bicycles when the explosion occurred. ADVERTISEMENTPolice said the barrel blew up after the chemical came in contact with fire from a glowing object, possibly a bidi end. The barrel with the chemical that was meant to be mixed with bitumen for road repair work in Khargachi had been kept along the roadside. A search has been launched for the contractor who had undertaken the job of repairing the road,” a senior officer of Kolkata Police said.

Source: The Telegraph February 18, 2026 01:30 UTC