New Delhi: A tragic accident in Delhi's Okhla Phase-1 on Wednesday morning created a stir in the area. There was a massive explosion in a commercial oxygen cylinder in a warehouse located in D-23 near the Community Hall. One laborer died on the spot in the accident, while four others were seriously injured.
South East District DCP Vineet Kumar said that at around 10.43 in the morning, Okhla Industrial Area police station received information about a cylinder explosion. As soon as the information was received, police, PCR and other teams reached the spot. A Tata-407 vehicle was found on the spot, in which commercial oxygen cylinders were brought from Ghaziabad.
A cylinder fell and caused an explosion
According to preliminary investigation, the cylinders were being taken off the vehicle and kept in the warehouse. Meanwhile, an oxygen cylinder fell from the vehicle on the road below. As soon as the cylinder fell, there was a huge explosion. Initial investigation has revealed that only one cylinder burst. In this accident, 35 year old Mohit Singh died on the spot. Mohit worked as a helper at SM Traders and was said to be associated with the firm for about three years.
Four injured were sent to AIIMS Trauma Center
Umesh, Arvind, Manoj and Pankaj were injured in the accident. All four were taken to AIIMS Trauma Center with the help of CATS ambulance, where they are undergoing treatment.
Information about 70-80 cylinders arriving daily in the warehouse
Preliminary investigation revealed that a firm named SM Traders was using this premises as a warehouse. It has come to light that the firm has been operating here for about one to two years. It has been told that filled industrial oxygen cylinders were brought here from Ghaziabad and then supplied to local industrial units and businessmen of Okhla area. According to preliminary information, there was movement of about 70 to 80 cylinders daily. However, this number will be confirmed only after examining the stock register, purchase-sale records and other documents.
The real reason for the blast is still under investigation
Police are also investigating whether the necessary rules and permissions for storage, maintenance and transportation of the cylinders were being followed or not. Where did the cylinder come from, who was the supplier and what was the technical reason behind the explosion, all these points are being investigated. At present, the police have secured the incident site and efforts are being made to find out the real cause of the blast through technical and forensic investigation.