Seven girl students of Rohua High School in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, lost consciousness on 17 July after a PNG gas pipeline was accidentally severed during drainage construction work approximately 100 metres from their school, sending toxic fumes into classrooms. Five of the seven have been referred to Sri Krishna Singh Medical College, while all are reported to be in stable condition.

How the Incident Unfolded

The rupture occurred on Muzaffarpur-Pusa Road near Rahua village in the Musahari block, where Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation (BUDCO) was excavating land for a large drain. A JCB machine struck the underground PNG pipeline during digging, severing it with a loud noise and triggering an immediate gas leak.

The sudden burst caused widespread panic among locals, many of whom fled the area. Within moments, a cloud of gas drifted toward Rohua High School, where classes were in session. Multiple students were exposed to the fumes, and seven — all girls — collapsed inside the classroom.

Medical Response and Treatment

Locals swiftly transported the affected students to Musahari Primary Health Centre (PHC), where immediate treatment was administered. Doctors at the PHC confirmed that two of the girls showed improvement and continued treatment at the facility, while the remaining five were transferred to Sri Krishna Singh Medical College via ambulance for further care. Considerable commotion was reported at the PHC as parents rushed in to check on their children.

Negligence Alleged Against BUDCO

A local resident, Neeraj Kumar Mishra, alleged that the incident was a direct result of callousness and negligence on the part of BUDCO officials and workers, who reportedly failed to account for the PNG pipeline running along the excavation route before deploying heavy machinery. According to Mishra, the pipeline burst could have been avoided with basic pre-excavation checks.

This comes amid growing concerns across Bihar about coordination between urban infrastructure agencies and utility providers during construction projects. Notably, incidents of pipeline damage during civic works have been reported in other Bihar districts as well in recent months.

Official Response and Containment

Police teams, along with technicians and officials from Indian Oil, rushed to the site to stop the leakage and contain the risk of further damage. As of the latest reports, no additional casualties or major structural damage have been recorded. Authorities have not yet issued a formal statement on accountability or action against those responsible.

The district administration is expected to review BUDCO's safety protocols for ongoing excavation projects in the region following the incident.