One dead and four injured after oxygen cylinder explosion in Delhi’s Okhla | Today’s news
At least one person was killed while four others sustained injuries after an oxygen cylinder exploded near a community hall in Delhi’s Okhla Phase-1 on Wednesday, PTI reported.
The incident was reported around 11 a.m. Three water tenders and a multiple response vehicle were rushed to the scene following the incident.
The four injured were taken to a nearby hospital.
Police said a 407 had arrived at the Tata compound from Ghaziabad with commercial oxygen cylinders. The vehicle was registered in the name of SM Traders, which uses the premises as a security guard.
How did the explosion happen?
According to a preliminary investigation, workers were unloading cylinders and moving them into the mines when one oxygen cylinder fell from the vehicle onto the road and immediately exploded.
Police said only one cylinder exploded in the incident.
However, the exact cause of the explosion has not yet been determined.
1 dead, 4 injured
The deceased was identified as Mohit Singh (35), who worked as a helper at SM Traders. Police said he had worked with the company for about three years and died at the scene.
The injured were identified as Umesh, Arvind, Manoj and Pankaj.
What the police found out about SM Traders
According to a preliminary inquiry, SM Traders is engaged in trading and local distribution of industrial oxygen cylinders. The company has reportedly been operating from rented premises for roughly one to two years and has three to four employees.
Police said no oxygen refilling equipment was found or reported on the premises. The bottles were allegedly received in a filled state from Ghaziabad through a supplier identified as Ram Avtar and were then supplied to local traders and industrial establishments, mainly in the Okhla area.
The firm reportedly processes around 70-80 bottles a day, although police said the number has yet to be verified through stock registers, purchase and sale records, invoices and other documents.
The police also check the ownership and source of the bottles, the credentials of the supplier and the legal permits and licenses relating to their storage, handling and transport.
The scene has been secured and further investigation is underway, police said.
