Cooch Behar, West Bengal – A cooking gas cylinder exploded in the playground of Nakkati High School in Cooch Behar district this morning, causing a brief scare on the first day of the West Bengal Madhyamik (Class 10) examinations. Fortunately, no one was injured, and the exams proceeded without further disruption.
The incident occurred around 10 AM at the school, located in Nakkatigachh Gram Panchayat under Tufanganj I Block. According to reports, the cylinder developed a gas leak due to a loose connection. Police personnel on exam duty at the center quickly moved the leaking cylinder to an empty ground to prevent any risk inside the school building.
At the time, a few students were in the playground and were immediately instructed to go inside their classrooms for safety. Students arriving at the school were held outside the main gate as a precaution. After a few moments, the cylinder exploded in the playground, but the timely actions ensured no one was in harm’s way.
School authorities and police confirmed that the blast was contained and did not affect the ongoing exams. “The situation was handled swiftly, and everything returned to normal shortly after,” a local police official said, adding that an investigation into the cause of the leak is underway.
Nakkati High School serves as an exam center for hundreds of Madhyamik students from the surrounding areas.
The Madhyamik exams, which began today and will continue until February 12, are being conducted under tight security across the state, with special measures in wildlife-prone areas of North Bengal to ensure student safety.
