11 kids play with fire, land in hospital

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.