A devastating gas cylinder explosion at a paying guest (PG) accommodation in Bengaluru on Monday evening has claimed the life of a young software professional and left three others injured, according to police reports. The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and raised serious concerns about safety standards in shared living spaces.
Tragedy Strikes at Co-Living Facility
The blast occurred at approximately 6:15 PM on Monday at the Seven Hills Sai Co-Living PG, located in the Kundalahalli area under the limits of the HAL Police Station. The facility is housed in a seven-storey (G+6) building containing 43 rooms, which was quickly thrown into chaos following the explosion.
Emergency services, including multiple fire tenders and local police, rushed to the spot immediately after the incident was reported. They conducted swift evacuation operations and managed to bring the subsequent fire under control, preventing further casualties or damage.
Victim Identified as Young IT Professional
The deceased has been identified as Aravind, a 23-year-old native of Ballari. He was working as a senior analyst with the multinational technology consulting firm Capgemini. His promising career was tragically cut short by the explosion.
The three other injured residents were promptly transported to a nearby city hospital, where they are currently undergoing treatment. Their conditions and identities have not been officially disclosed by authorities at this time.
Investigation Points to Commercial Cylinder
Preliminary investigations by the authorities indicate that a commercial-grade gas cylinder was involved in the blast. However, the exact cause of the ignition—what sparked the explosion—remains undetermined and is a key focus of the ongoing probe.
This tragic event highlights the critical need for stringent safety checks and regulations, especially in densely populated co-living and PG accommodations that house a large number of young professionals in India's tech capital. The use of commercial-grade equipment in residential settings is likely to come under scrutiny as the investigation progresses.
