Palwal gas pipeline fire: 4 arrested, including Public Health Dept executive engineer

A devastating fire broke out in Palwal’s PNG pipeline on Tuesday, claiming one life and injuring three others. The blaze also destroyed three shops, a JCB machine, and three motorcycles. In swift action, police arrested four individuals, including Amit Kumar, Executive Engineer at Public Health Department, and three Adani gas company employees — Vishal, Shamshad, and Shailender.

The incident occurred when a JCB machine, engaged by the Public Health Department to fix a water supply line, damaged the nearby PNG pipeline, causing a blast and fire that engulfed the surrounding area.

A case of culpable homicide not amounting to murder has been registered, and a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to probe the incident. The District Collector, Dr Harish Kumar Vashisht, has also announced a three-member team to investigate the matter and submit a report within three days. SP Chander Shekhar assured that none of the persons found guilty will be spared.

The kin of the deceased have demanded a compensation of Rs 1 crore. The incident led to a three-hour disruption of traffic movement on Old GT Road.