A major fire broke out in Pimpri Chinchwad, Maharashtra on Sunday night after a series of LPG cylinder explosions in the Tathawade area. The incident caused several parked school buses to catch fire and triggered panic among local residents. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported so far.
The explosions occurred around 10:30 PM near a gas tanker that was allegedly filling LPG illegally into cylinders, the police said. The deafening blasts were heard by locals who described scenes of chaos and confusion.
Illegal Refilling Suspected Behind Explosions
According to officials, around 27 LPG cylinders exploded during the illegal refilling process from the gas tanker containing 21 tonnes of propylene gas. Out of the 27 cylinders, 9 exploded while 10 remained full. The sheer intensity of the successive blasts forced many nearby residents to evacuate their homes immediately.
It is suspected that the cylinders were being refilled illegally without following safety protocols, which led to the leakage and subsequent explosions.
Pune : Explosion Of Gas Cylinders Ignites School Buses In Tathawade, No Injuries Reported
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Buses Catch Fire, No Casualties
The cylinder explosions caused a massive fire that engulfed parked buses of the nearby Blossom Public School in Tathawade. While the buses were completely destroyed, thankfully no one was injured. The timely action of firefighters prevented the flames from spreading further.
Massive Blasts Trigger Panic
Multiple loud explosions spread panic among locals who were terrified by the scale of the accident. The area plunged into chaos as frightened residents rushed out onto the streets.
Fire Officials & Police Investigating Cause
After getting the situation under control, fire department officials and police have started investigating the exact factors that led to the incident.
The officials revealed that the gas cylinders may have been stacked together in an unsafe manner during the refilling process. The close proximity likely increased the intensity of the blasts.
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Illegal Gas Refilling Suspected
According to preliminary findings, the police suspect illegal activity was underway related to the refilling of domestic and commercial gas cylinders with industrial propylene gas, which is extremely hazardous.
The gas tanker and cylinders involved are being examined to identify those responsible for the negligent activity. Authorities believe the perpetrators may have escaped after the explosions erupted.
The local police are tracking down leads and witnesses to ascertain details about the illegal operation. Action will be initiated against those found guilty of endangering people’s lives.
Impact on Locals
The unexpected accident has left residents in the vicinity shaken. The deafening explosions and fire sent shockwaves through the community.
While no casualties have been reported so far, the incident has spotlighted the dangers of unsafe practices like illegal gas cylinder refilling. Proper protocols need to be followed to avoid such accidents in the future.
As investigations continue, the police are appealing to locals to come forward and provide any information that can aid the probe. Measures are also underway to support those whose homes or property may have been damaged in the incident.
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