LPG brings down 3-storey building

The fire brigade said the explosion was apparently caused by LPG cylinders used in the unit which is located in a residential area. Work was on when the explosion took place around 3.30 am, bringing down the concrete support beams and causing the building to collapse, police said.

Some of the victims died in their sleep. They were guests at a lodge run from the top floor of the building. At least 20 others were rescued.

People living as far as 2 km from the building reported hearing the blast.

The window panes of neighbouring buildings shattered under the impact of the explosion, and one neighbour said the wall of his house was damaged.

‘‘I thought there was a bomb blast, and I also heard my window panes smashing,’’ said Manish Vekaria. ‘‘I rushed out and saw the entire three-storey unit had come crashing down. There was dust and smoke everywhere, and I rushed out.’’

Fire officer B.I. Pathan said the smoke and darkness made rescue work difficult. Volunteers helped firemen rescue many of the injured who have been admitted to the Maskati Hospital where the condition of six survivors is said to be critical.

Rescuers, who were still trying to clear debris and broken concrete slabs in the afternoon, said they feared there could be many more victims buried in the debris.

Municipal Commissioner G.R. Aloria said rescue operations would continue till late tonight. ‘‘But we don’t think the number of people still buried in the debris will be high,’’ he said.

Additional Commissioner of Police Mohan Jha said the unit used LPG-fired furnaces in which emery wheels impregnated with diamond dust are pressed into shape at high temperature and pressure. The wheels, locally known as saran, are used for polishing diamonds.

There was a dining hall on the second floor, and other LPG cylinders stored there might have multiplied the effect of the blast, he said.