Tragic Gas Cylinder Explosion Claims Life of Migrant Worker in Surat

Synopsis

A 50-year-old migrant worker tragically died due to a gas cylinder explosion in Surat. The incident occurred while she was near the site, leading to her decapitation. Authorities are investigating the cause of the blast, highlighting concerns about fire safety in Gujarat, where fire incidents have been notably high.

Key Takeaways

Gas cylinder explosion in Surat claims life.
Victim identified as Bhuri Yadav, a migrant worker.
The explosion occurred near Rameshwaram Society.
Urgent need for improved fire safety measures in Gujarat.
State faces significant challenges in fire safety infrastructure.

Surat, Feb 12 (NationPress) A tragic incident occurred when a gas cylinder exploded, resulting in the death of a 50-year-old woman in the Sachin GIDC (Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation) zone of Surat.

The explosion took place in Rameshwaram Society, located in Gabheni village, where a sudden and powerful blast was reported. The released CCTV footage showcases the devastating effects of the explosion, which was so severe that it resulted in the woman’s decapitation.

Emergency teams from the Sachin GIDC police and fire department quickly arrived at the scene and began their investigation.

The victim has been identified as Bhuri Yadav, a migrant worker hailing from Shivarampur, Chitrakoot, Bihar, who held a position as a housekeeper in the vicinity.

As per police statements, Bhuri Yadav resided with her daughter, Hansu Yadav, who is employed as a laborer in a local firm. The fatal explosion happened around 11:30 a.m. while Hansu was having lunch at home, and her mother had stepped out to purchase tea. Tragically, as Bhuri Yadav walked by, the gas cylinder erupted, causing this unfortunate incident.

Authorities are currently probing the cause of the explosion, with more information expected soon. Gujarat has seen a considerable number of fire accidents over the years, significantly impacting India’s overall fire-related statistics. Between 2014 and 2022, the state, in conjunction with Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, was responsible for over 50 percent of all fire incidents across the country. In 2022, India recorded 7,566 fire accidents, with Gujarat being a key contributor.

A large portion of these incidents transpired in residential settings, highlighting the urgent need for improved fire safety protocols in homes. Despite the high frequency of fire accidents, Gujarat struggles with its fire safety infrastructure.

A report from 2024 indicated that the state had merely 1,447 fire personnel available, against a necessary 4,240, which translates to just 34.5 percent staffing efficiency. Additionally, from the required 1,467 fire vehicles, only 770 were operational, with over 250 of those being non-functional.