Scrap Collector's Attempt to Open Fridge Compressor Leads to Explosion in Shrirampur
In a shocking incident in the Navi Dilli area of Shrirampur, a 46-year-old woman, her 18-year-old daughter, and a 30-year-old man sustained burn injuries following an explosion on Saturday evening. The explosion occurred when the woman, identified as a scrap collector, attempted to break open a discarded refrigerator compressor near an open fire in front of her residence.
Details of the Incident and Injuries
The injured individuals have been named as Sangita Sonawane, her daughter Roshan, and Wasim Shaikh. According to Inspector Nitin Deshmukh of the Shrirampur police station, Sangita Sonawane is a scrap collector who had acquired the refrigerator compressor from an unknown source. Her intention was to open it to extract copper material for sale, a common practice among scrap dealers seeking valuable metals.
Around 7:15 PM on Saturday, Sangita began breaking the compressor outside her home. Simultaneously, she had placed empty pesticide bottles in a large vessel over a fire to heat them, aiming to remove plastic coatings for recycling. As she worked on the compressor, gas trapped inside it was released and came into contact with the flames heating the pesticide bottles, triggering a massive explosion.
Roshan and Wasim, who were seated nearby around the fire, were caught in the blast along with Sangita. While Sangita and Wasim escaped with minor injuries, Roshan suffered serious burns. Local residents quickly rushed the victims to a nearby hospital, from where Roshan was referred to the Pravara Medical Trust (PMT) Hospital in Loni, Ahilyanagar district, due to the severity of her condition.
Police Investigation and Current Status
Inspector Deshmukh confirmed that Roshan remains in serious condition at PMT Hospital. The police are investigating the incident to determine the exact cause and ensure such accidents are prevented in the future. This event highlights the dangers associated with handling discarded appliances and hazardous materials without proper safety measures, particularly in informal scrap collection activities.
The explosion has raised concerns about safety protocols in scrap handling and the risks posed by flammable gases in old refrigerators. Authorities are urging the public to exercise caution and seek professional assistance when dealing with potentially dangerous items to avoid similar tragedies.
