Seven persons, including six children, suffered injuries in south-east Delhi today when a drum containing chemicals exploded outside a printing press while they were burning waste material to beat the chill.
The incident took place outside the press located in Okhla Phase-II at around 9 am and two fire tenders were rushed to the spot, fire brigade officials said.
The children, all ragpickers and residents of Sanjay Colony, and the guard had gathered around a bonfire to keep themselves warm.
The injured have been identified as Subhash, the security guard, and children Vijay, 9, Neelam, 9, Ankush, Babli, Sammer and Jatin (all 11-years-old).
Neelam suffered 60% burns while Ankush and Vijay suffered 55% injuries. The other three had only minor injuries and were discharged from the hospital during the day.
"The drum got heated up and exploded. Four children suffered injuries and were rushed to Safdurjung Hospital," the officials said.
It has been a cold morning today as icy winds were blowing across the city at a speed of nine km per hour while the mercury fell to a minimum of 4.7 degree Celsius.
