Bengaluru: A gas cylinder caught fire and exploded while a delivery worker was placing it near the entrance of a house in Malleshwaram, Bengaluru. The delivery worker escaped without life-threatening injuries after quickly moving away from the cylinder when flames erupted.
The incident occurred within the jurisdiction of Malleshwaram Police Station when the delivery worker arrived at the house to deliver a gas cylinder. According to preliminary information, an oil lamp had been lit near the entrance as part of a ritual, and a suspected gas leak from the cylinder is believed to have triggered the fire.
Oil lamp believed to have ignited leaking gas
According to the information available, a woman residing in the house had washed the entrance threshold, performed a ritual and lit an oil lamp near the doorway.
The delivery worker arrived around the same time, carrying the cylinder on his shoulder. Unaware that the lamp was burning near the entrance, he placed the cylinder on the ground close to the doorway.
It is suspected that gas was already leaking slightly from the cylinder. When the leaking gas came into contact with the flame of the oil lamp, it reportedly ignited, resulting in a sudden fire followed by an explosion.
The incident caused alarm in the neighbourhood, as the flames erupted while the cylinder was being unloaded.
Delivery worker escapes major injury
The delivery worker reportedly reacted quickly when the fire broke out and immediately moved away from the cylinder. His presence of mind helped him avoid serious injury.
He did not suffer any life-threatening injuries, and no other members of the public were reported injured in the incident.
The quick reaction of the worker also helped prevent the situation from resulting in further casualties. However, the incident has raised concerns about the risks involved in handling gas cylinders, particularly when there may be a leak.
Police and fire personnel visit spot
Following information about the incident, personnel from Malleshwaram Police Station and the fire brigade reached the location.
They inspected the spot and initiated an investigation to establish the circumstances that led to the fire and explosion. The suspected gas leak and the presence of the burning oil lamp near the entrance are among the reported circumstances being examined.
Police have stated that no member of the public was injured in the incident. Further details regarding the condition of the cylinder and the exact cause of the explosion are subject to investigation.
Caution urged while handling gas cylinders
The incident has prompted a reminder to householders and delivery personnel to exercise caution when receiving and handling LPG cylinders.
Residents should ensure that lamps, candles and other open flames are kept away from areas where gas cylinders are being handled. Delivery personnel should also check for signs of leakage and avoid placing cylinders near flames or other possible ignition sources.
If a gas leak is suspected, people should avoid lighting matches or operating electrical switches, keep away from the affected area and contact the LPG distributor or emergency services.
The Malleshwaram incident ended without reported serious injuries, but it highlights the potential danger of even a minor gas leak coming into contact with an open flame.