Assam: Blast in Jorhat Kills Two, Including Child

JORHAT- At least two people, including a child, were killed and several others injured in an explosion in a residential locality of Assam’s Jorhat district on Saturday, triggering panic and raising questions about the nature of the blast.

The deceased have been identified as Noor Mohammad, around 45 years old, and an eight-year-old boy, Mohammad Iqbal, who succumbed to his injuries during treatment. A 12-year-old girl, Sehnaj Begum, remains in critical condition, while another woman, Noorjahan Begum, sustained minor injuries.

Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud explosion between 4 pm and 4:30 pm. Initial speculation pointed to a cylinder blast; however, locals stated that no cylinder was found at the site, suggesting the involvement of some form of explosive material.

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Police officials, including Jorhat Senior Superintendent of Police Subrajyoti Bora, later confirmed that the cylinder blast theory had been ruled out following a preliminary inspection. Authorities observed a crater-like formation at the site of the explosion, indicating a high-impact detonation.

According to Bora, Noor Mohammad was engaged in collecting scrap materials and reportedly brought some items home for dismantling. It is suspected that he was attempting to extract metals such as copper using basic tools when the explosion occurred.

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“From the statements of local residents, it appears that he was repeatedly striking an object with a hammer when the blast took place,” Bora said, adding that two children who were nearby at the time were also caught in the impact.

The intensity of the explosion was such that Noor Mohammad died on the spot, with severe bodily damage reported. The injured children were immediately rushed to Jorhat Medical College and Hospital, where one later succumbed.

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Officials have stated that the exact cause of the explosion remains undetermined. A detailed investigation is underway, with authorities examining all possible angles, including the nature of the scrap material involved.

The incident has created a tense atmosphere in the locality, with residents expressing concerns about safety and the handling of potentially hazardous materials in residential areas.

Experts have long warned about the risks associated with informal scrap handling, particularly in the absence of regulatory oversight and awareness about explosive or hazardous components that may be present in discarded materials.

Authorities have urged the public to exercise caution while dealing with unknown or potentially dangerous objects, as the investigation into the incident continues.