Puri, Nov 13 (UDN): Panic gripped the busy Bada Danda area of Puri on Friday after an LPG cylinder explosion at a restaurant near Market Chhak left at least four people critically injured and damaged a major portion of the establishment.
A Fire Services personnel was also injured while responding to the incident.
According to reports, the blast occurred inside the restaurant, with the force of the explosion causing its ceiling to collapse. The incident triggered alarm in the crowded locality, prompting an immediate response from emergency services.
Firefighters Remove LPG Cylinders To Prevent Further Blast
After receiving information, Fire Services teams and police personnel rushed to the spot. Puri Superintendent of Police Prateek Singh also reached the site to oversee the response.
Firefighters brought the flames under control and removed the LPG cylinders stored inside the restaurant to prevent the possibility of another explosion.
Speaking to the media, SP Prateek Singh said all cylinders kept inside the establishment had been cleared. He added that the precise cause of the explosion had not yet been established and an investigation was underway.
One Fire Services personnel sustained injuries during the operation, the SP confirmed.
Four Injured Shifted To Hospital
At least four people injured in the explosion were rushed to a hospital for treatment. Their condition was reported to be critical.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over fire safety arrangements and the storage and handling of LPG cylinders at commercial establishments in the busy Bada Danda locality.
Police have initiated an investigation to determine the circumstances that led to the explosion. The exact cause remains unknown.
