Gas Cylinder Explosion Near Republic Day Function in Malegaon Injures Five
A gas cylinder explosion in Malegaon, near a Republic Day function, left five people with injuries on Monday morning. The incident occurred around 10 am near the Law College bus stop, approximately 400 meters from the event venue in Malegaon city.
Details of the Incident and Injuries
The explosion involved a cylinder that had been specially modified by balloon sellers to inflate balloons. People in the vicinity suffered serious burns in the blast. The injured individuals have been identified as:
- Pramila Jadhav (43) of Nashik city
- Ujjwala Mahajan (25)
- Vinod Thorat (45)
- Atul Shewale (43)
- Mohit Jadhav (15)
All are residents of Soygaon in Malegaon. Initially taken to a private hospital in Malegaon, they were later shifted to Nashik Civil Hospital for further treatment.
Police Investigation and Arrests
Malegaon's assistant superintendent of police, Darshan Dugad, reported that except for 15-year-old Mohit Jadhav, who sustained a minor shoulder injury, all others suffered serious burns. The Malegaon Camp police have arrested three balloon sellers in connection with the incident. The accused are:
- Mohammad Sadiq Matlub Ahmed (33)
- Matlub Ahmed Bashir Ahmed (63)
- Mohammad Majid (20)
All belong to the same family in Ramzanpura, Malegaon Camp. A case has been registered under sections 288 (negligent conduct with respect to explosive substance), 287 (danger or obstruction in public way or line of navigation), 285 (danger or obstruction in public way or line of navigation), and 125 (act endangering life or personal safety of others) of the BNS.
Use of Locally Made Gas and Lack of Permission
According to police, the trio had no permission to use the locally made gas for filling balloons. Dugad explained that the gas was produced by them using aluminium foil and caustic soda, highlighting the risks associated with such unauthorized modifications. The investigation into the case is ongoing to determine further details and ensure accountability.
