What Led to the Rise in Death Toll from Bikaner's Gas Cylinder Blast?
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Synopsis
A devastating gas cylinder explosion in Bikaner has claimed eight lives, with recovery efforts ongoing. The incident, which occurred in a jewellery market, has raised serious concerns over safety practices involving LPG cylinders. Eyewitness accounts reveal the extent of the destruction, and authorities are scrambling to address the aftermath.
Key Takeaways
- Increasing death toll signifies the severity of the incident.
- Unsafe practices in storing gas cylinders contributed to the blast.
- Community response shows solidarity in searching for missing persons.
- Government intervention is crucial for ensuring safety in markets.
- Continued recovery efforts highlight the ongoing impact of the tragedy.
Jaipur, May 8 (NationPress) The death toll from the Bikaner gas cylinder explosion has tragically increased to eight after recovery teams found five more bodies amidst the debris on Thursday.
The incident, which took place on Wednesday at Madan Market, was triggered by a gas cylinder.
As reported by officials and local residents, the market, famous for its jewellery-making establishments, had shopkeepers who allegedly stored large LPG cylinders and refilled smaller ones from them. This hazardous practice is suspected to have caused the devastating blast.
A shopkeeper described the explosion as sounding similar to an air strike. Many shops suffered severe damage, and gold worth lakhs of rupees remains trapped under the rubble.
Jeweller Vikas Soni, who narrowly avoided the explosion, mentioned that his tardiness in meeting a client ultimately saved his life.
"I was just ten minutes late. Had I been on time, I might not have survived," he remarked. His shop, which contained approximately 160 grams of gold, was also destroyed.
According to Soni, the market consisted of about 25 shops, each possessing an average of 100 grams of gold.
Authorities reported that both basement levels completely collapsed, and it remains uncertain how many individuals were present during the explosion.
Police and rescue teams express concerns that the death count might escalate as recovery operations progress.
Locals indicated that illegal LPG cylinders were frequently utilized in the market, which is deemed an unauthorised structure.
During the evacuation, police confiscated at least 10 large LPG cylinders, with more anticipated to be discovered.
The bodies retrieved are charred beyond recognition.
One body found on Thursday morning was identified by the victim's shirt, and another recovered on Wednesday was recognized by a ring.
A large crowd remains outside the market, with many individuals still searching for missing relatives believed to have been working there during the explosion. To date, eight bodies have been recovered, five of which have been identified.
The deceased include Aslam (35) from Bungalow Nagar, Sachin Soni (22) from Goldsmiths Ki Guwar, Salman (30) from Bengal, Kishan Soni (30), and Lalchand. Two of the victims have yet to be identified.
Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma expressed, "The news of the loss of life due to a gas cylinder explosion in Bikaner is profoundly saddening and heartbreaking."
"The district administration is actively engaged in relief and rescue efforts, ensuring proper medical treatment for the injured. I pray to Lord Rama to grant eternal peace to the departed souls and a swift recovery for the injured."
Former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot stated, "I am deeply saddened to learn of the tragic deaths of nine individuals in a gas cylinder explosion in Bikaner. My heartfelt condolences go out to the families of the deceased. May God provide them the strength to endure this unimaginable loss during such a trying time. I wish a speedy recovery to the injured."
Point of View
I emphasize the importance of safety regulations and adherence to laws governing hazardous materials. The tragic loss of lives in Bikaner underscores the urgent need for stricter oversight and compliance to prevent such disasters from occurring in the future. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families during this difficult time.
NationPress
09/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people died in the Bikaner blast?
As of now, the death toll stands at eight individuals.
What caused the explosion?
The explosion was caused by a gas cylinder, with reports indicating unsafe storage practices in the market.
Where did the incident take place?
The tragic incident occurred at Madan Market in Bikaner.
Is there ongoing recovery effort?
Yes, police and rescue teams are actively involved in recovery operations and fear the death toll may rise.
What safety measures are being discussed post-incident?
Authorities are discussing stricter regulations regarding the storage and use of LPG cylinders to prevent future incidents.
