Kanpur — A bustling market in Kanpur descended into pandemonium Wednesday evening after two parked scooters erupted in a powerful explosion, leaving eight people with severe burns and several shops in ruins, authorities reported.
The blasts occurred in the Moolganj police station jurisdiction, where the vehicles were left unattended outside a toy store amid throngs of shoppers. The sudden detonations shattered the evening calm, sending debris flying and igniting a wave of fear through the crowded bazaar, according to police statements.
Kanpur Police Commissioner Raghubeer Lal confirmed that the explosion originated in the storage compartment—or “dicky”—of one scooter, where investigators later found remnants of firecracker wrappers and jute twine scattered across the scene. “Eight individuals suffered injuries from the blast,” Lal stated. “They were immediately transported to a nearby hospital for urgent medical care.”
Among the victims, two remain in critical condition, including the owner of one of the scooters and a female waste collector who happened to be nearby when the devices went off, officials added. All those hurt hail from local Kanpur neighborhoods, underscoring the incident’s impact on everyday residents.
Emergency responders, including the bomb disposal squad and a forensic unit, arrived swiftly to secure the area and comb through the wreckage. Experts gathered samples of charred materials and vehicle fragments for laboratory analysis, which could shed light on the detonation’s origins. Preliminary findings point to explosive substances stored illicitly in the scooter’s compartment, possibly reacting violently with the vehicle’s fuel to amplify the force, police sources indicated.
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While the precise trigger and any underlying intent remain unclear pending forensic results, heightened security patrols now blanket the market to prevent further disruptions. Investigators have launched a full inquiry, vowing to uncover whether negligence, sabotage, or another factor fueled the fiery outburst.
The episode serves as a stark reminder of urban vulnerabilities in India’s teeming commercial hubs, where routine errands can turn perilous in an instant. As the community reels, authorities urge vigilance amid the ongoing probe.
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