A powerful explosion caused by a gas cylinder blast ripped through the historic Chandni Chowk market in Old Delhi on Tuesday, leaving a trail of destruction and injuring multiple people in one of the city's most crowded commercial areas.
The Moment of Terror in Old Delhi
The explosion occurred around 1:30 PM on Tuesday in the bustling bylanes of Chandni Chowk, a market that dates back to the Mughal era and remains one of Delhi's most popular shopping destinations. According to eyewitness accounts, the blast originated from a shop where welding work was being conducted, triggering a massive explosion that shattered windows and damaged several adjacent establishments.
Fire officials confirmed that eleven people sustained injuries in the incident, with several suffering from burns and others injured by flying glass and debris. The injured were immediately rushed to nearby hospitals, including Lok Nayak Hospital, where they received emergency medical treatment. Fortunately, no fatalities were reported, though several victims required hospitalization for their injuries.
Rescue Operations and Immediate Aftermath
Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, with seven fire tenders deployed to control the situation and prevent the fire from spreading to neighboring buildings. The narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk posed significant challenges for rescue operations, forcing authorities to navigate through crowded streets to reach the blast site.
Visuals from the location showed extensive damage to the affected shop and its surroundings. Multiple vehicles parked nearby were damaged, and the blast impact was felt in adjacent buildings, many of which house centuries-old structures that form part of Delhi's rich historical heritage.
Local shopkeepers and residents described scenes of panic and chaos immediately following the explosion. "We heard a massive sound like a bomb blast," recounted one shop owner who operates nearby. "Within seconds, people started running in all directions, and smoke filled the area."
Investigation and Safety Concerns
Preliminary investigations point to negligence in handling gas cylinders during welding operations as the primary cause of the explosion. Authorities have launched a detailed probe to determine the exact sequence of events and identify any violations of safety protocols.
The incident has raised serious questions about safety standards in one of Delhi's most congested markets. Chandni Chowk, known for its narrow lanes and dense commercial activity, has frequently faced criticism regarding fire safety compliance and the storage of hazardous materials in crowded spaces.
This is not the first such incident in the area. Similar explosions have occurred in the past due to improper handling of gas cylinders and flammable materials, highlighting persistent safety concerns that authorities have struggled to address effectively.
Local authorities have promised strict action against those found responsible for safety lapses. Meanwhile, shopkeepers' associations have called for better enforcement of safety regulations and increased awareness about proper handling of gas cylinders and other potentially dangerous materials.
The Chandni Chowk blast serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that exist in densely populated urban markets and the critical need for robust safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
