Nitrogen cylinders explode in Bhiwandi, two dead

The incident occurred at Parasnath compound in Bhiwandi, where a steel cutting and welding unit of JE Mechanical company is located.

Senior Inspector Maloji Shinde of Narpoli police station said, “These six labourers are employees of JE Mechanical. So far, we have learnt that the company had ordered nitrogen cylinders from a firm based in Mahape. Within five minutes of the workers offloading these cylinders from the truck and storing them in their warehouse, the cylinders exploded.”

While Bhoir and Gautam were brought declared dead in hospital, Momin, Bariki and Shukla are being treated at Lotus hospital. Alpesh Bhoir was later transferred to Jupiter hospital for treatment of critical injuries.

“The incident took place around 1.30 pm, when many of the workers had gone to a nearby mess for lunch, preventing several injuries,” said Shinde.

The Narpoli police has so far registered a case of accidental death report. “We will investigate and try to ascertain whose negligence caused the mishap. Action will be taken accordingly,” he added.