JAIPUR: A powerful LPG cylinder explosion that rocked Madan Market commercial complex in Bikaner Wednesday has claimed nine lives, with rescue workers recovering six more bodies from the debris Thursday.
The blast, which occurred in the second basement of the commercial complex, caused the collapse of two basement floors housing numerous jewellery manufacturing units. Police are investigating the presence of gold and silver buried under the rubble and say action may be taken against those running illegal operations.
The incident unfolded around 11am Wednesday when a massive explosion, initially mistaken by locals for an airstrike by Pakistan, tore through the market's basement levels. "Everyone thought it was an airstrike. People panicked and ran for safety," said Manmohan Soni, a local resident.
Bikaner SP Kavendra Singh Sagar, who led the rescue operations, said the roofs of several shops collapsed in the explosion, trapping workers beneath the rubble. Eleven people were initially rescued Wednesday, with eight suffering injuries, four of them critical. The rescue effort was particularly challenging due to the narrow basement spaces and the presence of multiple gas cylinders in the debris.
The deceased have been identified as jewellery workers and shop owners, including workers from West Bengal. Four survivors are currently receiving treatment at PBM Hospital, with doctors describing their condition as serious.
The deceased were identified as Salman (35), Aslam (35), Sachin Soni (22), Ayaan (17), Kishan Soni (23), Kishanlal Soni (25), Ramswaroop Soni (20), Lalchand Soni (23) and Aslam Malik (31).
Local authorities have raised concerns about illegal operations within the market. According to officials, many jewellery units were operating in unauthorised basement spaces, with some allegedly using dangerous practices such as refilling smaller LPG cylinders from larger ones. The municipal corporation has sealed several shops and launched an investigation into unauthorised constructions.
The incident has prompted authorities to conduct a broader inquiry into safety violations and illegal operations in the area. The site remains sealed, with officials prepared to re-examine the area if additional missing persons are reported.
The accident has highlighted the risks of unauthorised commercial operations and the need for stricter safety measures in commercial areas. The local administration has promised swift action against those found operating illegal businesses in the market.
This incident occurred while the district, which shares a border with Pakistan, was conducting war-like security drills, adding to the initial confusion about the nature of the explosion.
The blast, which occurred in the second basement of the commercial complex, caused the collapse of two basement floors housing numerous jewellery manufacturing units. Police are investigating the presence of gold and silver buried under the rubble and say action may be taken against those running illegal operations.
The incident unfolded around 11am Wednesday when a massive explosion, initially mistaken by locals for an airstrike by Pakistan, tore through the market's basement levels. "Everyone thought it was an airstrike. People panicked and ran for safety," said Manmohan Soni, a local resident.
Bikaner SP Kavendra Singh Sagar, who led the rescue operations, said the roofs of several shops collapsed in the explosion, trapping workers beneath the rubble. Eleven people were initially rescued Wednesday, with eight suffering injuries, four of them critical. The rescue effort was particularly challenging due to the narrow basement spaces and the presence of multiple gas cylinders in the debris.
The deceased have been identified as jewellery workers and shop owners, including workers from West Bengal. Four survivors are currently receiving treatment at PBM Hospital, with doctors describing their condition as serious.
The deceased were identified as Salman (35), Aslam (35), Sachin Soni (22), Ayaan (17), Kishan Soni (23), Kishanlal Soni (25), Ramswaroop Soni (20), Lalchand Soni (23) and Aslam Malik (31).
Local authorities have raised concerns about illegal operations within the market. According to officials, many jewellery units were operating in unauthorised basement spaces, with some allegedly using dangerous practices such as refilling smaller LPG cylinders from larger ones. The municipal corporation has sealed several shops and launched an investigation into unauthorised constructions.
The incident has prompted authorities to conduct a broader inquiry into safety violations and illegal operations in the area. The site remains sealed, with officials prepared to re-examine the area if additional missing persons are reported.
The accident has highlighted the risks of unauthorised commercial operations and the need for stricter safety measures in commercial areas. The local administration has promised swift action against those found operating illegal businesses in the market.
This incident occurred while the district, which shares a border with Pakistan, was conducting war-like security drills, adding to the initial confusion about the nature of the explosion.
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