Jaipur Oxygen Cylinder Blast Death Toll Climbs to Three After Injured Worker Succumbs
The tragic aftermath of the oxygen cylinder explosion at an industrial unit in Jaipur's Vishwakarma Industrial Area (VKI) has grown more severe, with the death toll rising to three on Sunday. This increase comes after another injured worker succumbed to his injuries during treatment, adding to the devastation from the blast that occurred a day earlier.
Details of the Victims and the Incident
Police have identified the third victim as Shibu, also known as Anuva, a native of Jharkhand. He died while undergoing medical care, according to VKI police station SHO Ravindra Singh Naruka. The other two victims, who lost their lives on Saturday, include factory manager Vinod Gupta, aged 45 and from Murlipura, and worker Munna Ray, aged 30 and also from Jharkhand.
The explosion took place around 7:45 pm on Saturday during oxygen cylinder filling operations inside the factory. The blast was so powerful that it tore off the tin shed roof and caused a wall to collapse. The force of the explosion was devastating, with Munna Ray being blown to pieces, and his body parts scattered across the premises. Vinod Gupta suffered catastrophic injuries, including the loss of a limb, and died later that night in the hospital. Anuva sustained critical injuries and remained under treatment until his death on Sunday.
Impact on the Industrial Area and Investigation
The blast sent shockwaves through the industrial pocket, causing significant damage to the surrounding area. Window panes of dozens of nearby units and shops were shattered, and cracks appeared in walls, with the impact felt over a kilometre away. Police and fire brigade teams responded immediately, rushing to the spot to secure the area and provide assistance.
A senior police officer indicated that a case of alleged negligence would be registered once post-mortem examinations are completed. Investigators are currently examining whether safety norms were violated by the factory owner and are working to determine the precise trigger for the explosion. This incident highlights critical concerns about industrial safety protocols in such facilities.
