Infant dies in Malad fire

A six-month-old boy was killed and five others were injured when a fire broke out in Kurar village of Malad (east) on Thursday night. Cylinder explosions at a nearby gas agency in Sai Nath Niwas Chawl are suspected to have triggered the blaze. Ayush Chaubey,who suffered 100 per cent burns,was declared dead on arrival at Bhagwati Hospital. The shop where the explosion is believed to have taken place was run illegally by Ayush’s father Nandlal and uncle Panchlal,fire officials said. His grandmother,Brahma Devi (72),is among the injured.

“Prima facie it appears that the fire broke out after gas leakage that led to two cylinder blasts,” a senior fire officer said. The brothers used to sell LPG gas after transferring it into empty cylinders. Locals claimed that they had warned the duo about the risk involved in the practice.

The police recovered 11 empty and 16 filled cylinders from the spot. “We have registered a case of negligence against the shop owners. The suspects are being treated. Once the two recuperate,we will proceed with the investigation,” said Mohan Shankhe,senior police inspector,Kurar police. The duo had been fined three months ago but they resumed their business soon after,locals said.

Sonu Yadav,25,suffered 95 per cent burns and his condition is critical,said Dr Vijaya Bhatt,deputy superintendent,Bhagwati Hospital. Pankaj Kashyap (25) was injured.