Patna, February 28: An LPG cylinder explosion at a roadside food cart in the Lauria market area of West Champaran district left at least 11 people seriously injured on Friday afternoon.
The incident occurred around 1:30 PM when approximately 12 to 15 people were gathered near the cart. Eyewitnesses reported that four of the injured are in critical condition.
Local authorities indicated that there had been complaints of a minor gas leak from the cylinder earlier in the day, but the issue was overlooked due to the market’s heavy foot traffic. As temperatures rose during the day, the cylinder overheated and exploded with a loud bang, likened to a bomb blast, causing panic among shoppers.
The explosion quickly ignited a fire, burning the clothing of several individuals. Local residents sprang into action, using buckets and bottles to extinguish the flames. After about half an hour of effort, they managed to bring the fire under control.
Without waiting for an ambulance, locals transported the injured to the Lauria Health Center via auto-rickshaws and motorcycles, where doctors began immediate treatment. Medical professionals reported that most victims suffered severe burns to their faces, chests, arms, and legs, with several in critical condition.
Following initial treatment, those with serious injuries were transferred to the Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in Bettiah. The owner of the food cart was also among the injured.
Police arrived promptly at the scene and seized the remnants of the exploded cylinder. Preliminary investigations suggest that the explosion was caused by a gas leak from an old cylinder.
Authorities are currently interviewing witnesses and shopkeepers, and the debris may be sent for forensic analysis. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
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