One killed and four injured in an oxygen cylinder explosion in Okhla

A 35-year-old worker was killed and four others were injured after a commercial oxygen cylinder exploded. At that time, it was unloaded at Okhla Phase-I convention on Wednesday (September 9, 2026) morning.

The deceased has been identified as Mohit Singh, a resident of Jaipur, who worked as a helper with SM Traders, a local distributor of industrial oxygen cylinders. He worked with the company for about three years.

According to the police, the incident took place at around 10:43 am on D-23, Okhla Phase-I. A Tata 407, registered in the name of SM Traders, arrived at the compound with commercial oxygen cylinders from Ghaziabad.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the workers were unloading the bottles from the vehicle and moving them to the emergency when one of the bottles fell from the vehicle onto the roadway. The cylinder then exploded, police said.

The exact technical cause of the explosion has not yet been determined and will be determined after the inspection of the crime scene, pressure cylinder, vehicle and other relevant material by technical and judicial authorities, the police said.

Mohit died on the spot. Four other workers, identified as Umesh, Arvind, Manoj and Pankaj, sustained injuries and were taken to AIIMS Trauma Center for treatment.

The premises were used as a leased estate by SM Traders, which has been operating from this location for approximately one to two years. Preliminary investigation revealed that the firm receives filled oxygen cylinders from Ghaziabad and supplies them to local traders and industrial establishments, especially in the Okhla area. Police said no oxygen refilling equipment was found on the premises.

The firm processes about 70 to 80 bottles a day, although that number is yet to be verified through its stock registers, sales and purchase records and invoices.

The police also check the source of the bottles, the credentials of the supplier, the ownership of the bottles and the legal permits or licenses required for their storage, handling and transport.

The premises have been secured and further investigations are underway. The exact circumstances and technical cause of the explosion will be determined as part of the investigation.

Published – September 9, 2026 12:42 PM IST