KOLKATA: A terrifying incident unfolded at Nakkatigach Higher Secondary School in Cooch Behar’s Tufanganj-1 block on Monday, the first day of secondary exams. What could have been a catastrophic tragedy was narrowly avoided thanks to the swift actions of police and school staff.
As 202 students from nearby schools gathered for their exams, chaos erupted in the school canteen. While preparing tea, a gas cylinder suddenly burst into flames. The fire spread rapidly, sending panic rippling through the exam hall packed with nervous students.
On-duty policemen sprang into action without hesitation. They bravely dragged the blazing cylinder out of the school building and into an open field. Using wet sacks, they desperately tried to douse the flames, but the fire proved uncontrollable.
Firefighters from Tufanganj station were alerted immediately. However, before they arrived, the cylinder exploded with a deafening blast that shattered the morning calm. Terrified students abandoned their answer sheets and fled to the playground in sheer panic.
Senior officials including Sub-Divisional Officer Kingsuk Maiti, Sub-Divisional Police Officer Kannedhara Manoj Kumar, and other district administrators rushed to the scene. After assessing the situation, they calmed the frightened students and restored order.
Acting principal Dulu Basak praised the police response, stating it prevented a major disaster. Since the explosion occurred in an open area, no injuries were reported. Once the situation stabilized, students calmly returned to complete their exams.
Parents and school authorities breathed a huge sigh of relief, crediting the administration’s quick thinking for averting what could have been a heartbreaking loss of young lives. The incident serves as a stark reminder of gas safety protocols in educational institutions.