Nabarangpur hostel pressure cooker blast: Headmaster, hostel in‑charge suspended after student left injured for 9 days

The Nabarangpur district administration has sprung into action nearly a week after a pressure cooker reportedly exploded in the hostel kitchen of a government upper primary school in Kukudisemala village of Kosagumuda block, critically injuring a student.

Despite eight days having passed, the injured student was allegedly not rushed to a hospital and instead kept confined to his hostel room.

On Saturday, the district administration suspended the school’s headmaster, Kangali Charan, and hostel in-charge, Kapil Sarabu, while the hostel cook, Dambaru Bhatara, was dismissed for negligence.

‘Delayed’ Administrative Action Taken

The Nabarangpur administration cited negligence in following safety protocols and failing to report the accident through mandatory channels. The suspended staff will remain attached to the Kosagumuda Block Education Office until the investigation concludes, stated officials.

"It has been eight days since the incident, but the injured was not taken to a hospital. He is confined to his hostel room. We received information from our sources and reached here. We jumped over a wall and rescued the injured," said former MP Pradeep Majhi, who intervened on Friday night to transfer the student to advanced medical care.

The student’s delayed transfer and treatment sparked outrage among local leaders and residents. Many alleged that the district administration’s move was ‘delayed’ and had resulted in further severe damage to the injured.

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Delayed Medical Response And Rescue

According to sources, the injured student was initially treated at a nearby clinic rather than a hospital.

Yesterday night, Pradeep Majhi, accompanied by local residents, rescued the student and handed him over to the district authorities for immediate hospitalisation. The rescue operation drew attention to the prolonged inaction and perceived neglect by the school authorities.

"The concerned headmaster and superintendent should have informed us, but they did not. After receiving information, we acted accordingly," said District Welfare Officer Rabindra Palka.

Authorities said the delay in medical intervention and failure to adhere to standard reporting protocols necessitated swift administrative action.

Probe Ordered

As of the last reports, the district administration has ordered a formal inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the explosion. The enquiry will focus on several aspects, including the cause of the pressure cooker blast, adherence to hostel safety protocols, inspection of kitchen equipment, and the medical care provided to the injured student.

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A follow-up review will be conducted after the student’s medical condition is updated and the enquiry documentation is received.