Yamunanagar: Six people were injured after a gas pipeline caught fire and exploded near Chitta Mandir Chowk in Yamunanagar, Haryana, on October 21. The blast sent flames shooting into the air and shattered the glass windows of nearby shops. A 64-year-old woman who ran a laundry shop suffered serious burns and was seen dragging herself along the ground to escape the fire.
The woman, identified as Sunita Devi, was initially taken to the Civil Hospital in Yamunanagar. Due to the severity of her injuries, she was referred for further treatment. Reports state that she is undergoing treatment at PGI.
The incident took place while work was underway to lay a piped natural gas (PNG) pipeline and provide new connections in the area. A video of the explosion shows people and vehicles near the site moments before flames suddenly spread. Several people ran for safety as the fire engulfed the area.
Gas Leak During Pipeline Work
According to a complaint filed by Kanwaljit Kaur, who runs Simar Beauty Parlour and Boutique near Chitta Mandir Chowk, workers were carrying out pipeline work outside her shops on the evening of October 21.
She alleged that three or four labourers were working in a pit near the pipeline at around 5.15 pm. No company engineer or official was present at the spot, and there was no fire-fighting equipment or other safety arrangement. The complaint also alleged that the gas supply had not been shut off during the work.
During the process, gas reportedly leaked from the pipeline and caught fire, leading to the explosion. Sunita, who operated a nearby shop offering ironing services and selling electrical goods, was among those seriously affected.
Other injured people included Ravi, 18; Ankit, 29; Rakesh, 45; Arman, 12; and Vansh, 13. The police have not yet established the exact cause of the incident.
Shops and Vehicles Damaged in Fire
The fire also destroyed goods inside the two neighbouring shops. Kanwaljit said an inverter and battery, three sewing machines, two mobile phones, clothes, beauty parlour supplies and cash were damaged in her shop.
Sunita’s shop also suffered losses, with clothing, an LCD screen, electrical items and cash reportedly destroyed. A bicycle and an Activa scooter parked outside the shops were also badly damaged.
Neeraj, a resident of Saharanpur who was working on the pipeline with Ankit and Lalit Kumar, said a gas leak occurred during the work and the pipe ruptured, triggering the fire. Police and fire brigade teams reached the spot after receiving information about the incident. Firefighters brought the blaze under control after around half an hour. The electricity department was also informed so that the power supply in the area could be disconnected.
Police Register Case Against Pipeline Company Owner
Yamunanagar City police registered a case on October 22 following Kanwaljit Kaur’s complaint. According to police, the case has been registered against Ankit Singhania, owner of Varun Telecom Company, under Sections 125(a), 125(b) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The complainant has accused the company owner and employees of negligence during the pipeline work and has sought compensation for the losses. The police are investigating the allegations and working to establish how the gas leak and explosion occurred. An assessment of the damage caused by the fire is also underway.