Tragic Oxygen Cylinder Explosion Claims Two Lives in Jaipur Factory
A devastating industrial accident occurred in Jaipur on Saturday evening when an oxygen cylinder exploded inside a factory located in the Vishwakarma Industrial (VKI) Area. The powerful blast resulted in the tragic deaths of two individuals and left one person injured, sending shockwaves through the densely packed industrial zone.
Details of the Fatal Incident
The explosion took place around 7:45 PM at an oxygen filling facility within the industrial complex. According to DCP (west) Hanuman Prasad Meena, the force of the blast was so intense that it completely blew off the tin shed roof of the factory and caused a wall to collapse. Debris from the explosion was scattered across the premises, creating panic among workers and residents in the vicinity.
Victims Identified and Rescue Operations
The deceased have been identified as Munna Ray, a resident of Jharkhand, and Vinod Gupta (45), the factory manager who lived in Murlipura, Jaipur. The injured person, Shibu alias Anuva, also hailing from Jharkhand, was promptly admitted to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.
Local police from the VKI station, with assistance from residents and bystanders, worked swiftly to extract the injured from the damaged building structure. Multiple fire brigade teams were immediately deployed to secure the area, prevent potential secondary accidents, and ensure the safety of surrounding facilities.
Investigation into the Cause
Preliminary reports indicate that the explosion occurred while oxygen cylinders were being filled at the facility. Authorities have confirmed that they have identified the factory owner and obtained his contact details as part of their ongoing investigation.
"We are thoroughly examining all aspects of this tragic incident to determine whether negligence played any role in causing the explosion," stated a police officer involved in the investigation. The inquiry aims to establish the exact sequence of events and identify any safety protocol violations that may have contributed to the accident.
Industrial Safety Concerns
This incident has raised serious questions about safety standards in industrial areas, particularly concerning the handling and storage of pressurized gases like oxygen. The Vishwakarma Industrial Area, known for its concentration of manufacturing and processing units, now faces scrutiny regarding compliance with industrial safety regulations.
Local authorities have emphasized the importance of proper safety measures when dealing with hazardous materials and have promised a comprehensive review of safety protocols across similar facilities in the region to prevent such tragedies in the future.
