Massive explosion at oxygen cylinder filling plant in Mohali; 2 killed, 4 injured
Eyewitnesses said that workers at the Mohali factory were filling oxygen cylinders and loading them onto vehicles when one of the cylinders exploded.
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The blast site in the Industrial Area Phase 9 of Mohali on Wednesday. (Express Photo: Jasbir Malhi)At least two workers were killed and four others were seriously injured in a massive explosion at a factory in Punjab’s Mohali Tuesday morning, prompting authorities to launch a swift rescue operation.
Fire brigade teams, ambulances, and the police reached the site promptly, and the injured were rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention.
The deceased have been identified as Asif, a resident of Lucknow, and Davinder. Asif reportedly joined the factory nearly 1.5 years ago. Hi-Tech Gas Private Limited is known for its work in filling medical-grade oxygen cylinders, and the accident occurred during routine operations.
“Two people have died in the explosion, and four others are seriously injured. We are currently investigating the exact cause of the blast,” said a fire officer at the accident spot.
Eyewitnesses said that workers were filling medical oxygen cylinders and loading them onto vehicles when one of the cylinders suddenly exploded.
Harsimran Singh Bal, Deputy Superintendent of Police (City-2), said, “We received a call at around 9.25 am. Our team reached the site immediately and rescued the injured. The investigation is underway, and all further action will be taken as per the law.”
Damandeep Kaur, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, who also visited the site, confirmed that the explosion occurred around 9 am.
The blast was so powerful that it completely destroyed a major portion of the factory, and the bodies of the victims were torn apart, with body parts scattered across the site.
Some fragments of the cylinder were even found in nearby Kambali village, underlining the intensity of the explosion. Nearby factories also suffered significant damage due to the shockwave.
The factory has been operational since 1993, supplying medical oxygen. Industry experts consider such units as high-risk zones due to the volatile nature of their operations.
Authorities have assured that strict action will be taken against those found responsible once the investigation report is finalised.
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