Two killed, 32 injured in Ludhiana cylinder blast

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, April 26

A woman and her son were killed and 32 persons sustained burn injuries after an LPG cylinder exploded in a house at Samrat colony, Giaspura, on Thursday. 

The explosion was so intense that the rear wall of the house was completely blown away while its front gate also crumpled. The blast also created fissures in the walls of nearby houses.

The house belonged to Ashok Yadav (58) who was among the injured. His wife Sunita (40) and son Raj (13), who had sustained severe burns, succumbed to their injuries. His daughters Kajal (19) and Pooja (20) also sustained serious injuries. The remaining victims were their immediate neighbours.

Another victim Surinder suffered 100 per cent burns. Two victims Ashok Kumar and Dharminder were referred to the PGI, Chandigarh. Since the colony is located in a remote area, 108 ambulance could not reach on time. 

Inspector Amandeep Singh Brar, SHO, Focal Point, said the victims were mostly transported in police and private vehicles to the civil and other hospitals.

Vikas, an eyewitness, said the blast took place at 6.45 am. “There was some leakage in the gas pipe and the moment Sunita lit a lighter, it caught fire. Other family members dragged the cylinder from the kitchen and started dousing the flames. They raised alarm and nearby residents joined them. There was a power cut in the area and the moment power resumed, there was a huge blast in the cylinder. All five members of the family and others present inside the house and outside sustained injuries.” 

Local Congress MLA Surinder Dawar visited the hospital. Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh has announced Rs 1 lakh for the deceased's kin. He also ordered an inquiry into the incident. Directing the Ludhiana DC to extend all possible help to the injured, the CM ordered free medical treatment for them.