The Hindu : Front Page : 20 children injured as balloons burst

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jun 13, 2005

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20 children injured as balloons burst

Staff Reporter

Explosion occurred during a candlelight procession at an anti-child labour rally

A RALLY GONE AWRY: One of the injured children being taken to hospital in New Delhi on Sunday. - PHOTO: PTI

NEW DELHI: At least 20 children were injured when a bunch of gas balloons they were carrying to release on the occasion of "World Day Against Child Labour" exploded at the India Gate lawns on Sunday evening.

All the injured were rushed to Lohia Hospital from where they were later discharged after first-aid.

According to the police, the incident occurred around 7.30 p.m. when the children were taking out a candle light procession. The event was organised by a United Kingdom-based non-government organisation, Save the Children, to observe "World Day Against Child Labour".

The procession, aimed at creating awareness about child domestic work, had started from Boat Club and was to end at India Gate.

The police said the procession was midway through when the balloons went up in flames after one of them apparently came in contact with a candle held by a child.

As several balloons exploded one after the other in quick succession, the children standing nearby sustained injuries on their faces and hands.

Over 200 children — representing Save the Children and its sister organisations — had gathered to observe the day. Several of them had come from as far off as West Bengal, Maharashtra and Rajasthan.

The police have registered a case of negligence and are planning to take action against those found guilty.

Further investigations in the case are on.

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