Massive fire in Guwahati after cylinder blast, 70 houses gutted in fire

Guwahati: In a horrific incident, a massive fire had broken out at Jalukbari on Saturday. The fire had occurred as a result of the cylinder blast.

As many as 8-10 cylinders had blasted at the site; at around 12:30 pm, resulting in the fire.

"We have received the information at around 12:30 pm, and immediately after being informed we reached the spot," said Assam police.

The incident has taken place in front of the Jalukbari police station. Over 70 houses were gutted in the fire.

The police had further informed about 14 fire tenders had reached the spot immediately from Pandu, Panbazar, Chandmari, Lokhra, Mirza and North Guwahati after the incident and doused the flames of the fire.

However, no casualties have been reported until the time of filing the report, even though the fire had caused massive damage and the police are investigating the matter.

In a similar incident on December 11, two-cylinder had blasted in Bakrapara, near Manasa Mandir in the Basistha area of Guwahati.

The fire caused by the blast had made damages of approximately Rs 50,000 and it had taken nearly three water pumps to extinguish the fire.

While gas cylinders are a convenient way to transport and store gases under pressure, they also become hazards if not taken proper precaution. The major causes of cylinder accidents are inadequate training and supervision while using it. Poor installation can also be a reason for its leakage which leads to cylinder blasts.

All users of gas cylinders must know the proper maintenance of cylinders because, at times, fire escapes due to incorrect filling procedure and becomes flammable.

All gas cylinders must be designed and manufactured in an approved standard way- which does not become fatal for humanity. Cylinders must be inspected before they are put into service to ensure they conform to the approved standard.

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