A powerful explosion tore through a crowded neighbourhood in Jorhat on Saturday, March 28, 2026, around 3:30 pm, killing two people and critically injuring two others, police said. The blast occurred at a rented house in Rajamaidam New Colony and was heard across the locality, causing widespread panic.
Nur Mohammad, a resident of Nagaon, died at the scene, while eight-year-old Iqbal Ahmed was taken to Jorhat Medical College and Hospital and later succumbed to his injuries. Two other victims remain under treatment at the same hospital in critical condition.
The house where the explosion occurred is reportedly owned by Ansari Malik. Initial reports that the sound was caused by an LPG cylinder were dismissed by investigators, who found no fire at the site. Superintendent of Police Subhra Jyoti Bora said first responders were told the victim had been hammering a small fire extinguisher when the device detonated.
“We at first received information that it was a cylinder blast, but when we reached the spot, there was no fire. Initially, it appeared to be some kind of explosive, but we are not 100% sure,” SP Bora said, adding that witnesses reported the victim was hammering a small extinguisher. The officer said the man may have been attempting to extract metal from the object, possibly to sell.
“We suspect he might have been hammering the extinguisher to extract some valuable metal and sell it. However, we are still not sure where he got the item from. Once we question others who were working with him, we may get more clarity,” he said.
A forensic team collected samples at the scene and has begun examining evidence to determine the exact cause of the explosion. “The forensic report will take some time. A dog squad was also deployed, but nothing significant was detected,” the officer added.
Neighbours described the blast as extremely powerful. “We heard a loud sound and rushed to the spot. At first, we thought it was an LPG cylinder explosion, but it wasn’t. Neighbours said the victims were unboxing something when it suddenly exploded. The blast was so strong that one person was thrown nearly 15 feet away,” a local resident said.
The incident has unsettled residents of the densely populated area. Authorities continue their probe and are questioning witnesses and others who might clarify how the object came into the victims’ possession.
Original Source: https://assamtribune.com/assam/jorhat-blast-kills-two-including-child-fire-extinguisher-tampering-suspected-1609963
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Publish Date: 2026-03-28 19:29:00
