LPG Cylinder Explosion Kills Woman, Two Firefighters Injured in Four-Storey Blaze

New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): Former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi has extended her support to the victims of the Moti Khan cylinder explosion. She assured that AAP MLAs are standing with the affected people during this tragic time. The incident occurred on Sunday afternoon when a fire broke out in a four-storey building in the Motiya Khan area of Nabi Karim. The blaze quickly spread throughout the building. The police and fire department were immediately alerted, and five fire engines rushed to the scene. During the rescue operation, an LPG cylinder exploded on the third floor, injuring two firefighters. STO Ravinder Singh and Fire Officer Ved were both severely burned and have been admitted to RML Hospital, where they are receiving treatment.

Once the fire was brought under control, the rescue team discovered the body of a woman, identified as Hemlata (40), who had been completely burned. Her body was sent to the mortuary for further procedures.

The fire department received information at 3:01 pm on Sunday about a fire at house number 10554 in Motiya Khan. Fire department director Atul Garg confirmed that five fire engines and the police were immediately dispatched to the scene. The fire had engulfed a four-storey building, measuring about 25 yards. The ground floor housed a shop, while an office was on the first floor. Haridarshan and his family lived on the second floor.

Hemlata, who was alone in the building at the time, tragically became the victim of the fire. Haridarshan’s mother, Vimala, and sister, Hemlata, lived on the fourth floor. The third floor contained a kitchen and some belongings. On Sunday, being a holiday, the ground and first floors were locked. Haridarshan had gone to visit relatives with his family, and his mother Vimala Devi had gone to a satsang. Hemlata was alone on the fourth floor, where she was sleeping when the fire broke out.

When the fire department's rescue team arrived, they encountered an explosion in an LPG cylinder located on the third floor. The blast caused the third-floor wall to collapse and spread the fire throughout the building. During the rescue operation, two firefighters were injured. Nearby buildings were evacuated, and it took some time to control the fire. After the flames were extinguished, Hemlata's body was recovered from the fourth floor.

Hemlata had been living with her mother in Motiya Khan since the death of her husband in 2021. She had no children. Her brother, Haridarshan, upon hearing about the accident, rushed to the scene. Despite his efforts to enter the building, he was only able to reach the entrance, suffering minor burns. The entire house was destroyed by the fire. Vimala Devi was devastated by the loss of her daughter.