Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source: Internet
Cylinder explosion in Bhota Hamirpur causes massive fire, three gravely burned
Hamirpur, Feb 17,
Three persons sustained serious burn injuries after a gas cylinder exploded inside a shop in Bhota town of Hamirpur district early Tuesday morning, triggering panic in the market area and causing extensive damage to the premises.
The incident occurred around 5 a.m. when Purushottam Chand, a local shopkeeper, arrived to open his establishment. According to family members, as he approached the shutter, he noticed flames flickering inside and thick smoke billowing out from the shop. Realising something was wrong, he attempted to lift the shutter but was forced back by the intense heat.
Hearing the commotion, Kamlesh Kumar, who runs a nearby grocery store, and Rakesh Kumar, a milk supplier, rushed to assist him. The three men reportedly tried to lift the shutter together when a gas cylinder stored inside the shop suddenly exploded.
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The powerful blast shook the surrounding area, startling residents and shopkeepers. The explosion blew open the shutter, and flames engulfed the trio. Eyewitnesses described the fire as fierce and spreading rapidly within seconds.
Purushottam Chand suffered approximately 70 per cent burn injuries, with severe damage to his face and legs. He was initially taken to the local medical facility and later referred to AIIMS Bilaspur due to his critical condition. The other two injured persons were admitted to Hamirpur hospital for treatment.
A large crowd gathered at the site soon after the blast, and locals helped rush the injured to the hospital before emergency services reached the spot. The shop sustained significant structural damage in the explosion.
Superintendent of Police Hamirpur, Balbir Singh, confirmed the incident and said that the police have initiated an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the fire and explosion. Forensic assessment and technical inspection of the cylinder are likely to be part of the probe.
The administration responded promptly after receiving information about the incident, and safety advisories regarding the storage and handling of LPG cylinders are expected to be reviewed in the area.
Further details are awaited as authorities continue their investigation.
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