Auto’s CNG cylinder explodes at Kandivli gas station, three hurt

MUMBAI: Three persons were injured as the CNG cylinder of an auto exploded at a gas station on the busy S V Road in Kandivli (W) on Saturday morning. The explosion ripped apart a portion of the 15ft-high pump canopy. The victims sustained serious injuries mostly on their lower body parts and are said to be out of danger. The auto driver, who is one of the injured, fractured his left leg and sustained severe burns to his right leg.
Officials from Kandivli police station have asked the gas supplying agency and other experts to examine the cause of explosion. An officer said, “We are waiting for the experts’ report after which we will register an offence against the persons concerned.” The police have also recorded the statements of the injured persons at the hospital.

Mahanagar Gas Limited stated that the chief controller of explosives has initiated a probe. Dharam Kapadia, whose family owns the pump, said, “The equipment at the pump are in good condition and there was no negligence. All agencies concerned have given us a clean chit but the operations are suspended. We will resume the operations soon.”
Cops said the incident took place when a pump employee, Shailesh Tiwari, was refilling CNG in the vehicle of auto driver Anil More. Sohel Ahmed, who had parked his vehicle behind the auto and was standing nearby too was injured.
A video of the incident was widely circulated. More’s daughter said, “No one helped my father who was lying on the ground. Everyone was busy taking videos. He had left home at six in the morning and had stopped at this refuel.” The families of the injured persons said the gas station owner visited them at the hospital and offered them help.
(Inputs from Somit Sen)