Hoshiarpur: Two people were killed and more than 30 injured after an LPG tanker exploded in Mandiala village of Hoshiarpur, Punjab, late Friday night.
Police said a mini truck rammed into the tanker, causing it to overturn and catch fire. The leaking gas spread rapidly, triggering a blaze that engulfed 15 shops and four houses in the village. Two people were burnt alive, while several others sustained injuries.
The injured were rushed to Hoshiarpur Civil Hospital. Civil Surgeon Pawan Kumar confirmed that two bodies were brought to the hospital, while 18 to 20 injured have been admitted. He added that five to six patients with severe burns have been referred to other medical institutions.
Soon after the incident, senior police officials and minister Ravjot Singh reached the spot. Fire tenders from Jalandhar and Hoshiarpur were pressed into service to control the flames.
Deputy Commissioner Ashika Jain said the fire has been brought under control to a large extent. “The cause of the accident and the extent of damage will be assessed once the situation is completely normal,” she said.
As a precautionary measure, the Hoshiarpur-Jalandhar National Highway has been closed.
