Chennai Gold Workshop LPG Blast Death Toll Climbs to Five After Hospital Deaths
The tragic aftermath of a devastating LPG cylinder explosion at a goldsmith workshop in Chennai's Elephant Gate area has grown more severe, with the death toll now rising to five workers. Three additional injured guest workers succumbed to their extensive burn injuries between Tuesday and Wednesday morning while receiving critical treatment at city hospitals.
Latest Victims Identified with Severe Burn Injuries
The most recent fatalities include Rakesh, aged 26, who passed away on Tuesday after developing septicaemia during treatment for 41 percent flame burns. Suraj Dholey, 23, died around 12:30 AM on Wednesday with 85 percent burns, while Arabindu Langal, 28, succumbed at approximately 5:30 AM the same morning with 75 percent burns sustained in the explosion.
Two other workers continue to fight for their lives at Kilpauk Medical College Hospital. Jayanta Sadhukhan, 43, who suffered 41 percent burns, remains in intensive care, while Ananta Ketrapal, 36, is reported to be in stable condition as medical teams work tirelessly to treat their injuries.
February 25 Explosion Details and Investigation
The catastrophic incident occurred on February 25 on the fourth floor of a commercial building located on Singannan Street. Initial investigations by authorities reveal that gas leaking from an LPG cylinder ignited when workers used a hand-held gas cutter during metalwork procedures, triggering a powerful explosion inside the confined workshop space.
The violent blast trapped multiple workers inside the unit and caused extensive burn injuries due to the intense heat and flames. Forensic experts have thoroughly examined the site to determine the precise source of the gas leak and the exact ignition point that led to this industrial tragedy.
Preliminary findings from the investigation indicate that the confined workspace on the fourth floor significantly contributed to the severity of injuries sustained by the workers, as the explosion's force had limited avenues for dissipation.
Earlier Fatalities and Police Response
Prior to these latest deaths, the workshop owner Suman Bhag, also known as Biswajit, aged 32 and originally from Howrah in West Bengal, died on the day of the incident after sustaining severe burns. Another worker, Srimanta Maal, 48, passed away on Sunday night at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital following extensive burn injuries from the explosion.
The Elephant Gate police have registered a formal case and launched a comprehensive investigation into the tragic incident. Authorities have handed over the bodies of all deceased workers to their respective families after completing necessary post-mortem examinations.
Further investigation continues to examine safety measures and protocols followed at the goldsmith unit, with authorities seeking to determine whether proper industrial safety standards were being maintained at the time of the explosion.
