LPG Cylinder Explosion at Meat Vendor's Cart Injures 11 in West Champaran
A devastating incident unfolded in the Lauria police station area of West Champaran district on Friday, leaving at least 11 people, including two minor girls, with serious injuries. The catastrophe occurred when a small LPG cylinder exploded at a roadside meat vendor's cart, sending shockwaves through the busy locality.
Panic Erupts at Hanuman Chowk
The explosion took place at Hanuman Chowk, a bustling area known for its high foot traffic. According to eyewitness accounts, a small cooking gas cylinder kept on the meat cart suddenly detonated without warning. The blast triggered immediate panic among bystanders, with several individuals sustaining severe burn injuries in the chaos.
Local residents acted swiftly, rushing the injured to the Lauria community health centre for urgent medical attention. At the health centre, medical staff administered first aid to stabilize the victims. However, due to the severity of their conditions, all injured individuals were subsequently referred to the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in Bettiah for advanced treatment and specialized care.
Identification of the Injured and Critical Conditions
The injured have been identified as Govind Rai, Vinay Kumar Shukla, Gulab Patel, Premnath Kumar, Amarjeet Kumar, Nitish Kumar, Krishna Thakur, Bhool Devi, Baby Kumari, Sita Devi, and another six-year-old girl whose name has not been disclosed. Medical officer Dr. Raushan Kumar at Lauria CHC provided a grim update, stating, "Two women and three men were in critical condition. After providing first aid, all the injured were referred to the district hospital, Bettiah, for better medical care." This highlights the grave nature of the injuries sustained in the explosion.
Official Advisory Issued to Prevent Future Incidents
In response to the tragic event, Lauria circle officer Nitesh Kumar Seth issued a formal advisory to local traders and business operators. The directive emphasizes the mandatory use of commercial LPG cylinders at business establishments, rather than smaller domestic ones, which may pose higher risks. Authorities have urged strict adherence to safety norms and regulations to prevent similar accidents in the future. This move aims to enhance public safety and reduce the likelihood of such hazardous occurrences in crowded market areas.
The explosion has raised concerns about the safety protocols followed by street vendors and small businesses, particularly in densely populated regions. As the community grapples with the aftermath, efforts are underway to ensure proper medical recovery for the victims and implement preventive measures to safeguard public welfare.
