A suspected gas cylinder explosion tore through a third-floor apartment in Virar (West) on Thursday evening, leaving a mother and her son with significant burn injuries. The blast, which occurred around 6 pm, caused damage to the kitchen and bathroom and sent shockwaves through the residential building.
Neighbors Rush to Rescue After Loud Blast
The incident took place in the A-wing of the Golden Oak building. According to initial reports, neighbors were the first to respond after hearing a loud explosion. They quickly rushed the injured duo—a 43-year-old woman and her 19-year-old son—to a nearby hospital for urgent medical treatment.
Officials from the local fire brigade, who reached the spot shortly after, indicated that a gas leak likely triggered the fire and subsequent blast. Their preliminary investigation points to this as the primary cause, though a detailed probe is underway to confirm the exact sequence of events.
Damage and Immediate Response
The force of the explosion and fire caused visible damage to the apartment's interior. Fire officials confirmed that the kitchen grill and a bathroom door were damaged. Police personnel from the Bolinj police station also arrived at the scene to manage the situation and assist with the emergency response.
As a precautionary measure, the building's power supply was temporarily disconnected. Authorities stated that electricity would be restored only after a thorough safety inspection is completed to ensure no further risks remain.
Safety Reminders After the Incident
This alarming incident in Vasai-Virar serves as a critical reminder about the importance of gas safety in homes. Residents are urged to:
- Regularly check gas cylinders, pipes, and regulators for leaks.
- Ensure proper ventilation in kitchens and areas where gas is used.
- Immediately turn off the gas supply and avoid operating electrical switches if a leak is suspected.
- Have contact numbers for emergency services readily available.
The investigation into the precise cause of the leak and blast continues, with officials working to prevent such dangerous occurrences in the future.
