72-year-old man dies in cylinder blast at Mohali

Tribune News Service

Mohali, November 22

A 72-year-old man was killed and a woman sustained minor injuries after an LPG cylinder reportedly exploded at a house in Jujhar Nagar here this morning.

The victim has been identified as Darshan Singh, who stayed alone at a one-room apartment on the first floor of a building in the colony. Rina Kaur (26), who lives on the ground floor of the building, sustained injuries. She was taken to the Civil Hospital for treatment. Her condition is stated to be stable.

The incident occurred at 8.45 am. The impact of the explosion was so strong that the roofs of two adjacent shanties collapsed. Eyewitnesses claimed that the victim forgot to turn off the gas stove at night and as he tried to light a match stick in the morning, there was an explosion.

The police said they had received a call about the fire incident at around 9 am and a fire tender was rushed to the spot.

The victim’s house was bolted from inside and firemen had to break the door to enter the premises.

Meanwhile, the police did not rule out foul play. A senior police official said, “The fire had engulfed the house and the adjoining houses. The body was recovered from the debris. The victim was taken to the Civil Hospital where he was declared brought dead. We have initiated inquest proceedings under Section 174 of the CrPC.”

Darshan Singh is survived by two daughters, who are married. Neighbours said his wife passed away in 2001 and he lived alone.