New Delhi: A fire at a house in northwest Delhi’s Jahangirpuri took a dramatic turn Friday when a gas cylinder exploded while firefighters were battling the blaze, injuring a fire brigade member. A video of the incident, which later went viral, captured the explosion and the panic that followed among residents gathered outside.
Police received a PCR call around 11.26 am about a fire at a ground-floor house in Jahangirpuri. During preliminary inquiry, police found that Bharat (30), a resident of the house, had allegedly set the premises on fire following an argument with his mother, Raj Rani. Ankit (32), a member of the fire brigade, suffered superficial burn injuries to his face, hair and both hands.
The mother and son had stepped out of the house after the fire broke out, according to police. Police said his condition and the extent of his injuries were being assessed. Police and fire brigade teams rushed to the spot and began efforts to contain the blaze. His father was not at home at the time. However, as firefighters entered the premises to douse the flames, a gas cylinder inside exploded. He was initially taken to Babu Jagjivan Ram Memorial Hospital and later referred to AIIMS for further treatment. Preliminary findings suggest the fire followed an argument between Bharat and his mother. Investigators are examining the circumstances under which the fire started and how the cylinder exploded during the firefighting operation. Statements of witnesses and other evidence are being reviewed to establish the sequence of events.
A case has been registered against Bharat under Section 326G (mischief by fire or explosive substance causing damage) in connection with the incident. Further investigation is underway.