LPG Cylinder Explosion Injures 11 at West Champaran Market
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Patna, Feb 27 (NationPress) - In a shocking incident, at least 11 individuals suffered significant burn injuries when an LPG cylinder detonated at a food stall located in the bustling Lauria market of West Champaran district on Friday afternoon.
The explosion took place around 1:30 PM, as the cylinder used for cooking suddenly burst into flames.
At the moment of the blast, approximately 12 to 15 people were in close proximity to the cart, with eleven being directly engulfed in the flames.
As per the Station House Officer (SHO) of the Lauria police station, four of the victims are reported to be in critical condition.
Witnesses mentioned that there had been reports of a minor gas leak from the cylinder earlier in the day; however, the issue was reportedly overlooked due to the crowd.
As the day's temperatures rose, it is believed that the cylinder overheated and exploded with a deafening noise.
Local shopkeepers described the sound as resembling a bomb blast, which caused widespread panic in the market area.
The explosion resulted in flames rapidly spreading, igniting the clothing of several bystanders.
Residents nearby acted promptly, dousing the flames with water from buckets and bottles. After nearly half an hour of effort, they managed to bring the fire under control.
Without waiting for ambulances to arrive, locals transported the injured to the Lauria Health Centre using autorickshaws and motorcycles, where medical staff immediately began treating them.
Medical officials reported that many victims sustained severe burns on their faces, chests, hands, and legs, with several remaining in critical condition.
Following initial care, the seriously injured were transferred to the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH), Bettiah, for advanced treatment.
The owner of the food cart was also among those who were injured.
Police arrived shortly after being notified and collected remnants of the exploded cylinder.
Preliminary investigations indicate that gas leakage from an old cylinder may have triggered the explosion.
Authorities are currently interviewing witnesses and shopkeepers, and the cylinder debris may undergo forensic examination. Further inquiries are ongoing.