Indore Gas Leak Panic: Scrap Dealer's Late-Night Cylinder Cutting Sends Five to Hospital
A late-night attempt to cut open a gas cylinder at a scrap shop in Indore's Raoji Bazar area triggered widespread panic after a suspicious gas leaked into the air, forcing residents out of their homes and sending five people to the hospital. The incident occurred under the Kaktpura bridge within the limits of the Raoji Bazar police station, creating chaos in the densely populated locality.
Gas Leak Details and Immediate Response
Additional DCP Dishesh Agarwal provided details, stating, "A scrap dealer, identified as Shahzad, was cutting open a cylinder that still contained gas when it began escaping. The smell spread quickly through the densely populated locality, and residents reported breathlessness, throat irritation, and nausea." As the gas spread, residents gathered on the streets while police and administrative teams rushed to the spot.
The fire brigade secured the cylinder and removed it from the area to prevent further leakage. Water tankers were pressed into service, and water was sprayed around the site to dilute the gas and mitigate its effects. Authorities worked swiftly to bring the situation under control after seizing the cylinder and flushing the area with water.
Health Impacts and Hospitalizations
Two women were among the five people taken to the hospital as a precaution after they complained of breathing difficulty and vomiting. Agarwal confirmed, "All five are stable and none is critical." The symptoms reported align with exposure to harmful gases, highlighting the seriousness of the incident.
Officials suspect that the gas was ammonia, which is commonly used in cold storage units, ice factories, and other industrial establishments. Exposure to ammonia can cause:
- Irritation in the eyes and throat
- Coughing and breathing distress
- Headache, nausea, and vomiting
These health risks underscore the danger posed by the leak in such a populated area.
Investigation and Safety Concerns
Deputy Commissioner of Police Anand Kaladgi stated that the leak started during the cutting of the cylinder. The scrap dealer, Shahzad, was detained for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation. Police have initiated an inquiry to determine:
- How the cylinder reached the scrap shop
- Whether safety norms were violated during its handling
This incident raises significant concerns about the adherence to safety protocols in industrial and scrap handling operations, particularly in residential neighborhoods. Further investigation is underway to address these issues and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
