Methane gas from garbage leads to underground explosions

Kolkata: Local residents got frightened after multiple underground explosions took place on Gobinda Khatik Road on Wednesday.

Huge cracks developed at multiple places near Tangra police station. It was found that the explosion took place due to the formation of methane gas from the garbage that got stuck in the sewerage line.

According to local residents, around 2 pm, sudden explosions took place in six places which blew of lids of manholes between the stretch from Ambedkar Club to Pilkhana Mor.

local residents got panic-stricken hearing the sound of explosions. Police went to the spot and found gases were emanating from open manholes. Soon fire brigade and Kolkata Municipal Corporation were informed. Also, the traffic movement on Gobinda Khatik Road was suspended.

Local councilor and Member Mayor-in-Council Swapan Samaddar said there was a brick sewerage line under the road through which water along with garbage is pumped out from the Palmerbazar sewerage pumping station to Chowbaga pumping station.

Methane gas was formed as garbage got stuck in the sewerage line leading to the explosion.

"Our engineers are working. Hopefully by night the work will be done," he said.

Due to the explosion, huge cracks developed in the area. Fire fighters sprayed water on the open manholes to stop the emission of the gas. Till last news came in, none was hurt and repair work was under way.