Massive LPG Cylinder Explosions Trigger Panic in Bhubaneswar's Ghatikia Square
A terrifying series of LPG cylinder explosions ignited a massive fire at Ghatikia Square in Bhubaneswar on Saturday, creating widespread panic and completely gutting a gas storage unit. The incident has raised serious concerns about alleged illegal stocking of cylinders, occurring against the backdrop of an ongoing LPG supply crunch across the state.
Eyewitness Accounts Describe Terrifying Blasts
According to eyewitnesses, the blaze erupted suddenly inside a gas shop located near the busy square. Within minutes, flames spread rapidly across the premises as multiple LPG cylinders reportedly burst in quick succession.
"The blasts were so powerful that we felt the ground shake. People started running in all directions," said Prakash Patra, a local resident who witnessed the incident firsthand. The locals immediately called fire services for emergency assistance.
Intensive Firefighting Operation
Fire Services personnel rushed to the spot and launched an intensive firefighting operation. Authorities deployed two additional striking forces to bring the dangerous situation under control. After sustained efforts lasting several hours, firefighters finally managed to douse the flames, but the structure where the cylinders were stored had been completely destroyed.
Safety Concerns and Official Investigation
Officials revealed that several burning cylinders were hurled meters away due to the tremendous force of the explosions, significantly increasing the danger to nearby shops and residential houses.
"The intensity was extremely high. We are assessing how many cylinders were stored and whether proper safety protocols were followed," a fire services officer stated. Officials confirmed they will conduct a thorough investigation into:
- The exact cause of the fire
- The quantity of cylinders stored at the location
- Possible violations of safety norms and regulations
Remarkably, despite the scale of destruction and danger, no fatalities were reported in the incident. The fire has nevertheless spotlighted critical safety issues surrounding gas storage practices, particularly during periods of supply shortages when illegal stocking may become more prevalent.
