Fire in PNG gas pipeline claims one life, injures 3, damages 6 shops in Palwal

A fire in a PNG gas pipeline in Palwal today claimed one life and injured three others. The incident, which occurred around 2 pm, also damaged six shops and several vehicles.

According to reports, a JCB machine was digging a pit to repair a damaged water pipeline near Lajpat Rai Chowk on Old GT Road when it accidentally damaged the gas pipeline. The leaking gas caused an explosion, engulfing the area in flames that reached as high as 15 ft.

One person, Hari Chand Singla (35), a resident of Shiv Vihar who ran a tea stall, fell into the pit and suffered serious burn injuries. He succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. Three others, including the JCB driver and two shopkeepers, were also injured and are in stable condition.

Senior district officials, including DC Dr Harish Vashisht, SP Chander Mohan, and SDM Jyoti, rushed to the spot. Three fire brigade tenders managed to douse the fire in about an hour. Traffic movement was stopped for around three hours, and the officials of the PNG supply company were directed to ensure proper safety measures at such spots.

An investigation has been launched into the incident, and the supply of PNG has been stopped until the pipeline is repaired. Action may be taken against those found guilty after the investigation.