A powerful explosion from a cooking gas cylinder ripped through the kitchen of a popular eatery in Pune district on Wednesday, leaving ten staff members with severe burn injuries, five of whom are in critical condition. The incident has raised serious questions about safety protocols in commercial kitchens.
Blast Rocks Hotel Jagdamba on Busy Road
The explosion occurred around 1 pm at Hotel Jagdamba, located on the Daund-Patas Road in Daund taluka, approximately 75 kilometers from Pune city. According to officials from the Pune Rural Police, the blast was so intense that it triggered an immediate fire within the kitchen and caused extensive structural damage.
The roof, windows, furniture, and kitchen equipment were severely damaged by the force of the explosion. Fortunately, no customers were present inside the hotel at the time of the incident, preventing a potentially higher casualty count.
Migrant Workers Among the Injured, Critical Cases Shifted to Pune
All ten injured individuals were staff members who were working in or near the kitchen when the cylinder exploded. Deputy Superintendent of Police Baburao Dadas provided details on the victims' conditions.
Five staffers sustained critical burn injuries affecting vital organs. These critically injured individuals were rushed to Sassoon General Hospital in Pune city for advanced medical care. The remaining five injured are receiving treatment at local hospitals in Daund.
Police added that most of the injured staffers are migrant workers, highlighting the vulnerability of this demographic in such industrial accidents. The Daund Municipal Council fire brigade responded promptly to the scene and managed to bring the kitchen fire under control.
Investigation Launched into Safety Lapses
Authorities have initiated a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the blast. DSP Dadas stated that the initial observation points to an explosion from one of the multiple cooking gas cylinders used in the hotel's kitchen.
The police are awaiting reports from forensic experts and the fire brigade to piece together the sequence of events. A key focus of the probe will be to ascertain whether all mandated safety precautions were being followed in the kitchen's operation.
This tragic incident serves as a grim reminder of the dangers associated with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in commercial settings, especially when safety norms are potentially compromised. The investigation will likely scrutinize cylinder storage, pipeline condition, and staff training protocols at the establishment.
