Playing with fire literally landed 11 children from Kurla in hospitals with grave burn injuries on Sunday. The incident occurred at around 4.45pm after the children aged 4-15 set a heap of garbage on fire in LIC Colony at Kurla’s Achanak Nagar.
A bomb disposal squad and forensic experts rushed to the spot after a small explosion occurred as the fire billowed.
“A half-burnt aerosol can of a household pesticide was found on the spot. Though the exact cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained, it is suspected that the aerosol can containing inflammable anti-rust chemical flared up the blaze,” said Pravin Salunke, additional commissioner of police, central region.Of the 11 children who were admitted to BMC-run Kurla Bhabha Hospital with injuries, six were later shifted to Sion hospital.
“Two children have suffered 15 to 20% burns on the face and hands,” said Dr Kuldeep Gaikwad, casualty medical officer on duty at Sion Hospital.
