Toddler, mother die as LPG cylinder explodes in Mohali

A nine-month-old toddler and her mother died while two others were injured in a fire at the Industrial Area here on Monday.

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The incident took place after a portable LPG cylinder exploded in the pantry cabin of a tool-making unit in Phase 5, near Shahimajra, around 9.30 am.

The toddler, Dhimanshi, was lying on a bed in the pantry while her mother Babita, a helper, was making tea for the employees. The owner of the unit, Varinder Kumar, too sustained injuries in the incident. Another injured employee, Sandeep, is being treated at the Phase 6 Civil Hospital. The fire engulfed the entire building soon after the explosion, resulting in panic in the area.

“After the fire officials and the police doused the flames, Babita was found injured. The toddler’s charred body was found only after the blaze was extinguished completely. Another cylinder used for welding purposes was also inside the building,” said Sub Fire Officer Suresh Kumar.

The police said the toddler was found charred in the corner of a makeshift pantry cabin in the unit where a bed and stove with some household items were kept. Officials also found loose electricity cables in the unit.

The victims were rushed to the hospital but Babita died during treatment at the PGIMER. Varinder’s condition was stated to be critical.