Gas Transfer Sparks Massive Blast; Walls Collapse
Punjab Newsline | Yamunangar
A horrific accident unfolded on Thursday morning in Yamunanagar when a powerful explosion occurred during the transfer of gas from one LPG cylinder to another, leaving 10 people seriously injured.
The incident took place around 8:20 AM in a residential quarter housing migrant laborers. According to initial information, around 17 quarters are located in the area, with approximately five members residing in each unit. At the time of the incident, women were cooking outside while gas was being refilled from a larger cylinder into a smaller one inside the room.
Suddenly, a gas leak triggered a massive blast, followed by a rapid spread of fire. The impact was so intense that the walls of the quarter collapsed and deep cracks appeared in the roof slab. Children and women inside the room were caught in the flames and suffered severe burn injuries.
The injured have been identified as two-month-old Simran, five-year-old Shanti, nine-year-old Neha, nine-year-old Shanti, four-year-old Anshu, ten-year-old Subhanti, along with Reena Devi and four-year-old Kanti, all of whom sustained serious burns. Fortunately, two filled cylinders kept inside the room did not catch fire, preventing an even bigger tragedy.
Locals reported that many laborers had already left for work in the morning, which helped avert further casualties. The loud explosion echoed across the area, causing panic and prompting residents to rush for help.
Eight injured referred to PGI
Upon receiving information, the emergency response team (Dial 112) reached the spot and shifted five children and one woman to Jagadhri Civil Hospital. Due to their critical condition, eight of the injured were later referred to PGI for advanced treatment. A forensic team has also reached the site to investigate how such a dangerous situation developed during the gas transfer process. Meanwhile, families of the injured are devastated and in deep distress.
One of the victims, Gudiya, said that her sister Subhanti (10), Shanti (5), Kranti (4), Simran, and their mother Reena Devi were all severely burned in the explosion. She had left for factory work after having breakfast, unaware that such a tragedy would strike her family.