A massive LPG cylinder explosion at a residential building in Silchar's Charbazar area has left at least 30 people injured, with 14 in critical condition, exposing serious gaps in emergency medical services in the region.
Night of Terror in Sribhumi Town
The disaster struck on Wednesday night at the residence of Munna Kurmi in Sribhumi town's Charbazar area. According to preliminary investigations, a suspected cylinder leakage triggered the powerful explosion that quickly escalated into a raging fire.
The blast sent panicked residents fleeing from their homes as flames spread rapidly through the neighborhood. The terrifying scene forced many to abandon their belongings and run for safety as the fire threatened to engulf adjacent properties.
Emergency Response and Healthcare Crisis
Firefighters, emergency responders, and local residents immediately rushed to the spot, working together to evacuate the injured victims. All 30 injured individuals were initially taken to Sribhumi civil hospital for treatment.
However, the hospital's emergency services proved inadequate and poorly equipped to handle the crisis. Families of the injured reported that even basic medical supplies were missing, forcing them to purchase essential items from outside during the critical emergency situation.
The situation became so dire that 14 critically injured patients had to be referred to the better-equipped Silchar Medical College and Hospital (SMCH) for advanced medical care.
Growing Demands for Infrastructure Improvement
The incident has sparked outrage among local residents who are demanding immediate modernization of Sribhumi civil hospital and significant strengthening of its emergency care infrastructure.
Local families expressed their frustration, highlighting how the lack of proper medical facilities compounded their suffering during an already traumatic event. Many questioned how a civil hospital could function without basic emergency supplies.
Meanwhile, the district administration has launched a thorough investigation to determine the exact cause of the blast and assess the complete scale of damage caused by the fire. Officials have promised appropriate action based on the investigation findings.
The Silchar LPG explosion has not only caused physical injuries but has also exposed critical weaknesses in the region's emergency response and healthcare infrastructure, raising important questions about public safety preparedness.
