A woman in West Bengal's Ratneshwarbati village accidentally used acid instead of water while cooking, hospitalizing six family members including three children in critical condition. The acid, kept for silver work, led to severe illness requiring transfer to Kolkata for treatment. Authorities highlight the need for better chemical safety in households.
In Ratneshwarbati village, Ghatal, West Midnapore district of West Bengal, a shocking household accident occurred on November 25, 2025. A woman mistook a container of acid, normally used for silversmith work, for water during food preparation. This error caused immediate health issues for the entire family.
Six individuals, comprising three children and three adults, fell ill after consuming or being exposed to the contaminated food. They were rushed to a local hospital in critical condition but were soon transferred to a facility in Kolkata for specialized emergency treatment. The incident underscores the dangers of storing hazardous chemicals in everyday household areas.
Local reports emphasize the family's involvement in silver craftsmanship, where such acids are common. No further details on the victims' identities or current status were available, but the event has prompted calls for enhanced safety measures in rural homes handling industrial materials. Chemical safety experts note that mislabeling or improper storage often leads to such tragedies, particularly affecting vulnerable groups like children.