Friday, Mar 25, 2022 08:00 [IST]
Last Update: Friday, Mar 25, 2022 02:30 [IST]
SILIGURI,: A viral footage of an explosion scene at Coronation Bridge in North Bengal which was mistaken as a real explosion terrified peoples across North Bengal and Sikkim today.
The crew of a web series had closed the bridge on Teesta river for an hour in order to film an explosion scene involving a blown up vehicle.
However, the explosion, which sent flames high into the air, terrified passers-by and netizens.
Later in the afternoon, after it was learnt that the blast was a part of a web series shoot, netizens and various social organisations expressed unhappiness over the situation. They questioned the authorities as to how such a stunt was allowed on a heritage bridge and demanded if any damage has been caused to the bridge that has already developed some cracks after 2011 earthquake.
According to the crew members, a team from Mumbai had arrived in Siliguri on March 14 to shoot a web series, titled "Kala". Shooting was already completed at three locations in Darjeeling, Ging and Takdah. The last shoot was at Sevoke.
The shooting was carried out under the supervision of Siliguri-based production house.
Chaitali Banerjee, the owner of the Production house, said: "We have not done any damage to the bridge, only paint of the bridge was faded due to explosion and we repainted it. We will fully cooperate with police and administration for all investigations."
Though there was an explosion in the viral video, Banerjee denied of any explosion. She said, “It was just a scene of a fire on the truck.”
Chandan Roy, general secretary of Dooars Forum for Social Reforms which had been demanding for the renovation of the bridge, has objected to such film shootings on the bridge.
"The existing bridge can collapse anytime and can result in a big accident. We have made repeated appeals to the government but to no avail. How can police and administration allow shooting of a blast on bridge."
He urged the netizens to come forward to stage protest in front of Sevoke police outpost on Saturday.
Police and district officials have not made any official statements yet but it is learnt that the line producer, directors and other crew members were asked to visit the police station.
The Coronation Bridge locally known as 'Baghpool' was named as such to commemorate the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth. The bridge was completed in 1941 and its foundation stone was laid by John Anderson, the then Governor of Bengal, in 1937.
