Fire extinguisher explodes in Kolkata restaurant, three injured

Hours ahead of the celebrations, New Year's Eve revellers in the city faced a party-pooper when a fire extinguisher blasted inside a popular restaurant in Park Street injuring three persons.

One of the injured is admitted to a city hospital in serious condition, police said, adding that first aid is being given to the other two injured.

Firemen suspect that excessive heat in the eatery could have led to the blast.

Since the incident took place at the afternoon, when the restaurant was getting prepared for the gala evening celebrations to welcome the new year, the number of injuries were less.

It could not be known immediately whether the injured persons were staff of the restaurant or customers enjoying weekend lunch.

Park Street is best known for its row of restaurants and has always been the centre of Christmas and New Year celebrations in the city.

Two fire tenders were put into service immediately after the incident. However, firemen say no flames were reported. Both the police and firemen are enquiring into as to exactly how the blast took place.

In 2007, a huge explosion, resulting from an AC compressor, in the Park Street outlet of international fast food chain McDonald's claimed life of a pedestrian and injured four employees.

Both the restaurants are located near the landmark British-era Stephen Court building, which was devastated by a major fire last year that claimed 43 lives.