A sudden and mysterious explosion in the Jorhat district of Assam has left two people dead and two others injured, creating panic among residents just days before the upcoming assembly elections.
According to police officials, the powerful blast occurred on Saturday afternoon in the Raja Maidam area of Jorhat town. The explosion was so intense that many locals initially believed it to be a gas cylinder blast. However, authorities later confirmed that the incident was not related to an LPG cylinder, raising concerns about the actual cause of the explosion.
Two Victims Including Child Lose Lives
The victims of the blast have been identified as Noor Mohammad (45) and Mohammad Iqbal (8), both residents of Rajamaidam New Colony in Jorhat.
Police said Noor Mohammad worked as a scrap material collector and often gathered discarded metal and mechanical parts from different parts of the town. He reportedly stored and processed these materials at his rented house.
On Saturday afternoon, Noor Mohammad was allegedly breaking scrap materials using a hammer when the sudden explosion occurred.
The blast struck with devastating force, injuring four people in total, including children who were playing nearby.
All the injured victims were rushed to Jorhat Medical College and Hospital for emergency treatment. Doctors, however, declared Noor Mohammad and the young boy dead upon arrival.
The two injured victims were identified as Sehnaj Begum (12) and Noorjahan Begum (35), who are currently undergoing treatment.
Police Begin Investigation
The incident is currently under investigation by local authorities. Senior Superintendent of Police Sibhrajyoti Bora confirmed that officials are examining the scrap materials collected by Noor Mohammad to determine what exactly triggered the explosion.
According to Bora, preliminary reports suggest that the blast may have occurred while the scrap metal was being processed with a hammer. However, investigators are also checking whether any explosive or hazardous material might have been mixed with the scrap.
“We are examining the materials collected by Noor Mohammad and investigating whether there was any other factor involved in the explosion,” the police officer said.
The bodies of the deceased have been sent for post-mortem examination as part of the investigation.
Residents in Shock After Loud Blast
Local residents described the moment of the explosion as extremely frightening.
Many people in the Raja Maidam locality reported hearing a loud bang that shook nearby houses. Several residents rushed to the site after hearing the blast and found multiple victims lying injured.
“At first we thought it was a gas cylinder blast, but later we realised something else had happened,” a resident said.
The unexpected explosion has created an atmosphere of fear and tension in the neighbourhood, with many residents worried about their safety.
Incident Sparks Concern Ahead of Elections
The incident has also drawn attention because it occurred just ahead of the upcoming assembly elections in the region. While police have not linked the blast to any political activity, the timing has raised concerns among locals.
Authorities have urged residents to remain calm and assured that a full investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the explosion.
Security agencies are also monitoring the situation to ensure that law and order remain under control in the area.
Authorities Urge Public to Stay Alert
Officials have asked citizens to immediately report any suspicious materials or activities in their neighborhoods. Scrap materials, especially those collected from unknown sources, can sometimes contain hazardous or explosive components if not handled properly.
For now, investigators are focusing on analysing the debris and scrap materials found at the blast site.
As authorities continue their probe, the tragic incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers that can arise from unknown materials and unsafe handling practices.
Residents in Jorhat and nearby areas are hoping for quick answers from investigators as the community mourns the loss of two lives in the sudden and shocking blast.
Also Read India Arrests US and Ukrainian Nationals Under ‘Anti-Terror’ Laws
