Mom, 2 kids injured as gas-filled decoration balloon explodes near Bhilai stadium

Raipur: Three members of a family — a woman and her two children — suffered burn injuries after a gas-filled balloon kept for decoration exploded with a loud bang near Jayanti Stadium in Chhattisgarh's Durg district on Wednesday evening. The incident triggered panic in the area. The victims suffered 15-20 percent burns and were admitted to a hospital where they were stated to be critical but stable. Police said they are verifying the sequence of events. Passers-by and nearby residents rushed to help the injured and they were shifted to Sector-9 hospital. Police identified the injured as Ishant Verma, 14, Purvi Verma, 10, and their mother Lekhin Bai, 36. Doctors said Ishant sustained the most serious burns — around 35 percent — while Lekhin Bai and Purvi suffered 15–20 percent burn injuries each. All three are under close observation. Primary information suggested that the balloon had earlier been used during an athletics event at the stadium's lawn tennis ground, after which it was allegedly brought home by a caretaker and later exploded near the house behind the stadium. Police said they are verifying the sequence of events, including where the balloon was stored, what gas it contained, and whether basic safety norms were followed in handling and keeping such large inflatable items. A case is being examined and further action will follow based on the findings of the inquiry, police added.