Blast in school laboratory, narrow escape for kids

KOLKATA: Students working in the chemistry laboratory of St Joseph's School at Bowbazar in central Kolkata had a narrow escape when the gas cylinder that fuels the Bunsen burners in the laboratory exploded on Monday morning.
The blast was so powerful that it blew a hole about ft by 1ft through a solid brick and concrete wall. Luckily, the force of the explosion was directed outwards because the chamber was close to a kindergarten class that was packed with children.It was a miracle no one was injured even in the lab.
The explosion at 9.20am terrified children and teachers, who began an immediate evacuation of the entire block. The teachers rushed out of the classrooms thinking an LPG cylinder had exploded in the school compound. They did not realize then that what had happened could have been far more dangerous.
"The gas plant was set up to feed the burners in the chemistry laboratory. The explosion would have proved deadly if it had come in contact with some of the combustible chemicals in the laboratory. Thankfully, it didn't happen. The noise and suddenness of the blast were enough to make us all panicky. The gas chamber was running well since morning until the explosion happened," said Brother Christopher.
The 'gas chamber' is in the block that houses the junior section and, in fact, shares a wall with the KG class on ground floor. The blast left a strong smell but no trace of fire.
People in nearby areas were also rattled by the explosion. "We suddenly heard a loud bang. There was immediate panic. The school was supposed to get over at 10:20am, so some parents were waiting at the school gates. All of us reacted instantly. The guardians and some residents rushed into the school to rescue the children. We called the fire brigade thinking that a gas cylinder had burst and there might be a big fire," said Kushal Bhattacharya, a shopkeeper near the school.