An 18-year-old girl sustained serious burn injuries after an explosion occurred while scrap material was being handled outside a house in the Navi Dilli area of Shrirampur on Saturday evening, police said.
The incident took place at around 7.15 pm, when Sangita Sonawane (46), a scrap collector, attempted to break open a discarded refrigerator compressor near a fire in front of her residence. Her daughter, Roshan (18), and a 30-year-old man, Wasim Shaikh, were seated nearby at the time.
Gas release triggered explosion
According to Inspector Nitin Deshmukh of Shrirampur Police Station, Sangita was trying to extract copper from the compressor for resale. At the same time, she was heating empty pesticide bottles over an open flame to remove their plastic coating.
During the process, gas trapped inside the compressor was reportedly released and came into contact with the fire, triggering a powerful explosion. The blast caused burns to all three individuals present at the spot.
Injured rushed to hospital
Local residents immediately rushed the injured to a nearby hospital. Due to the severity of her injuries, Roshan was later referred to Pravara Medical Trust Hospital in Loni, Ahilyanagar district. Police said her condition remains serious.
Sangita and Wasim suffered comparatively minor injuries and are undergoing treatment.
Safety concerns flagged
Police said the incident highlights the dangers associated with handling scrap material containing pressurised gas and flammable substances near open flames. A detailed inquiry is underway to document the circumstances leading to the explosion.
Authorities have urged residents involved in scrap collection to exercise extreme caution and avoid unsafe practices that could lead to serious accidents.