Greater Noida man suffers severe burns after toilet explodes; his father says ‘no phones or gadgets were being used’

The victim, Ashu Nagar, had simply pressed the flush when the western-style toilet suddenly blew up with a loud blast, sparking a fire.

By: Trends Desk

New Delhi | May 14, 2025 01:15 PM IST

2 min read

Initial checks suggested that the explosion may have been caused by a buildup of methane gas

In an unusual incident, a young man from Greater Noida sustained serious injuries after the toilet in his home exploded. The bizarre episode occurred in Sector 36 a few days ago, according to a Times of India report.

The victim, Ashu Nagar, had simply pressed the flush when the western-style toilet suddenly blew up with a loud blast, sparking a fire. His father, Sunil Pradhan, clarified that no gadgets or electronic devices were being used in the bathroom at the time, effectively ruling out any tech-related cause for the explosion.

“The blast left Ashu with severe burn injuries to his face and body. He was rushed to the Government Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS) in Greater Noida, where doctors confirmed he had suffered 35 per cent burns,” Pradhan said.

Initial checks suggested that the explosion may have been caused by a buildup of methane gas, possibly due to a blocked drain that allowed the gas to collect in the toilet bowl. Although there were no issues with electrical appliances in the house, everything – including the air conditioning – was functioning normally. It appears that some kind of spark triggered the methane, resulting in the explosion. The exact source of spark remains unclear.

In the report, a local resident, Harinder Bhati, pointed to an ongoing issue in the area: “Pipes here are not just old, they haven’t been cleaned in years. Choked pipes can lead to the accumulation of gas, which can explode under pressure.”

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However, Greater Noida Authority’s senior manager, AP Verma, insisted that their systems were in good shape. “The system is clean and functioning normally,” he told TOI, adding that the problem “might have resulted from some internal problem within the house.”

Experts in infrastructure and environmental safety have warned that older or neglected sewage systems, particularly in residential areas with poor maintenance, can turn dangerous over time. If the bathroom is not well-ventilated or the plumbing is clogged, gases like methane can build up, creating a serious risk of fire or explosion.

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