A cylinder blast in Hulimavu on Thursday night has resulted in significant damage and injuries. The explosion occurred at 10:55 PM at a steel utensil shop, shattering window panes in houses and shops within a 200-metre radius. The blast also caused the collapse of the shop’s wall and damaged nearby buildings.
Rahul Das, a worker who was sleeping inside the shop, was injured in the incident. Two scooters parked on the road were completely destroyed, and a gate in a nearby house was also damaged. The blast was preceded by a gas leak inside the shop, where illegal cylinder refilling was reportedly taking place. It is suspected that the explosion might have been triggered by the removal of a charger from an electric scooter that was being charged in front of the shop.
Eight fire tenders were dispatched to the scene to control the fire. The Hulimavu police have registered a case and are currently inspecting several illegal gas refilling operations in the area. More than five such refilling sites on the road where the blast occurred are being scrutinized.
