A severe LPG cylinder explosion ripped through the kitchen of a roadside eatery near Pune on Wednesday afternoon, leaving ten workers with serious burn injuries. The incident occurred around 1 pm on the Daund-Patas Road, located approximately 80 kilometres from Pune city.
Chaos and Rescue After the Blast
The force of the explosion was so intense that it caused the kitchen's roof to collapse and shattered window panes. Deputy Superintendent of Police Bapurao Dadas confirmed to TOI that the injured workers sustained burns on their faces, hands, stomachs, and legs. Fortunately, no customers were inside the restaurant at the time of the accident.
Following the blast, five workers with the most severe burns were rushed to a private hospital in Pune for advanced treatment. The remaining five victims are receiving care at a private hospital in Daund itself.
Multiple Cylinders Safely Removed from Scene
Fire brigade teams from the Daund Municipal Council and the Kurkumbh MIDC fire station responded swiftly to the emergency. Fire Officer Kiran Patil from Kurkumbh MIDC stated that by the time his team arrived, local residents had already moved the injured to medical facilities.
Officer Patil revealed a critical detail: the kitchen contained several LPG cylinders. His team successfully and safely evacuated at least 16 cylinders, both domestic and commercial types, from the damaged structure to prevent any secondary explosions.
Investigation into Cause and Possible Negligence
The preliminary investigation points to a leak from one of the domestic LPG cylinders as the likely cause of the devastating explosion. However, authorities are conducting a thorough probe to determine the exact sequence of events.
DSP Bapurao Dadas emphasised that the police investigation is ongoing. A key aspect of the probe will be to decide whether to register the case as a tragic accident or if elements of negligence were involved. The findings will guide any potential legal action.
This incident highlights the ever-present dangers associated with LPG usage in commercial kitchens, especially in establishments that may not adhere strictly to safety protocols regarding cylinder storage and gas line maintenance.
