Family Injured in Gas Cylinder Explosion in Southeast Delhi

A gas cylinder explosion in southeast Delhi injured three family members early on February 21, 2024. The incident occurred at their residence in Madanpur Khadar, resulting in severe burn injuries for a couple and their 26-year-old son.

According to police reports, the victims were identified as Jagdish (52), who suffered approximately 80 percent burns; his wife Laxmi (48), with about 70 percent burns; and their son Jotish (26), who sustained around 25 percent burns.

Emergency services were alerted at 4:46 AM, leading to the deployment of three fire tenders to the scene. A senior officer from the Delhi Fire Services mentioned that a sudden explosion occurred while the family was asleep, likely due to a leak from the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder.

The officer noted, “Initial reports suggest an LPG cylinder leakage. But the actual cause will be determined by technical experts after their inspection of the spot is complete.”

Following the explosion, Jagdish and Jotish were initially taken to Lal Bahadur Shastri Hospital, while Laxmi was transported to the AIIMS Trauma Centre. All three were later transferred to the burns ward of Safdarjung Hospital. As per the latest updates, the conditions of Jagdish and Jotish are stable, but Laxmi’s condition is critical.

Residents in the area described the moment of the explosion, with some initially believing it was an earthquake. Shyamal Burman, a neighbor, recalled, “It must have been around 4:30 AM when the incident took place. I was in the washroom when I suddenly heard a loud explosion, and our house began to shake. I thought it might be an earthquake.” He further described the scene, stating, “When I rushed downstairs, I saw a door lying next to a motorcycle, and both the husband and wife were sitting there, screaming for help.”

The local police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) under the relevant sections pertaining to the incident. Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the explosion, emphasizing the need for thorough safety inspections in residential areas that utilize LPG cylinders.