BARC scientists didn't handle inflammables

It has emerged during preliminary investigations that research scholars Partha Bag (27) and Umang Singh (27), who died in a massive explosion on the third floor of the BARC modular lab on Tuesday morning, had not been handling any inflammable material.


Preliminary inquires conducted by the police reveal that the door and all windows of the 20 by 15 feet laboratory were shut when the fire broke out.

One of the two is believed to have attempted to run towards the exit in flames, but collapsed halfway and was charred to death.

Broken: Uday Singh, father of BARC scientist Umang Singh, arrives at JJ Hospital to collect his son's body yesterday.

The police await the opinion of experts at the BARC fire and electrical departments and chemical analyser report from the Forensic Laboratory, Kalina, where their viscera and skin samples have been sent, to zero in on the exact reason for the fire.

The doctors who performed autopsies on the fractured bodies wore lead gowns to protect themselves from probable radiation from the explosion.

The bodies were kept in air-condition Chamber 2 of the J J Hospital mortuary last evening before they were handed over to their parents, who identified them.

Dev Prasad Bag (58), a businessman, came from West Bengal to claim the body of his only son. His wife Kaveri (50) was inconsolable.

Umang's father Uday Singh (63), claimed his body.u00a0

The Trombay police have registered a case of accidental death under section 174 of Criminal Procedure Code.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!