By – Prakarsh Kastwar
Ghaziabad, India – A catastrophic fire broke out early Saturday morning in a truck loaded with LPG cylinders near a petrol pump on Delhi-Mohan Nagar Road, close to Bhopura in the Tila Mor police station area of Ghaziabad. The incident occurred around 4:30 AM due to a gas leakage, leading to a series of massive explosions that sent shockwaves across the region.
Eyewitnesses reported that as the fire rapidly escalated, the truck driver fled the scene. The raging flames and continuous explosions caused widespread panic among residents. The force of the blasts was so intense that debris from the exploded cylinders was found several hundred meters away in the Defense Colony area. Fortunately, no casualties were reported, but the damage was extensive.
Immediate Response and Damage Assessment
Upon receiving the distress call, fire department officials and police rushed to the scene. Chief Fire Officer (CFO) Rahul Pal led the firefighting efforts, and after an intense operation lasting over an hour and a half, the fire was finally brought under control.
By the time the flames were extinguished, significant damage had already been inflicted. Over half a dozen vehicles, including two cars and five two-wheelers, were reduced to ashes. Additionally, the fire spread to two residential buildings and three to four shops, causing severe destruction. Windows of nearby houses shattered due to the impact of the explosions, further intensifying the chaos.
Explosions Rattle the City
Residents of the Bhopura Tri-Crossing area woke up to a terrifying series of explosions as the fire engulfed the LPG-loaded truck. The inferno grew uncontrollable within minutes, hurling burning cylinders onto nearby buildings and vehicles, exacerbating the damage.
Frightened by the escalating situation, locals ran for safety while alerting the fire brigade. Several videos of the incident surfaced online, showing the truck engulfed in towering flames while loud explosions echoed through the streets. The shockwaves from the blasts were reportedly felt kilometers away.
Safety Concerns and Investigation Underway
Authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident, focusing on the cause of the gas leakage and assessing potential safety lapses. The fire department has advised strict safety measures for transporting hazardous materials to prevent similar mishaps in the future.
While the fire has been contained, the aftermath of this devastating incident serves as a grim reminder of the potential dangers associated with improper handling of highly flammable substances. Local authorities continue to assess the damage and offer assistance to affected residents and shop owners.