Six workers were injured after LPG cylinders exploded inside an industrial unit in Bhosari MIDC, Pune, on Saturday, November 29. A major tragedy was averted due to the swift response of the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation’s fire brigade in one of Pune’s largest industrial hubs.
A sudden LPG leak at the Ambika Powder Coating unit triggered a fire that was contained within minutes, preventing it from spreading to adjoining units. One worker sustained serious burns, while five others suffered minor injuries. All were given first aid and shifted to a nearby hospital, fire officials said.
“Non-compliance with industrial safety norms remains a leading cause of such incidents. Regular inspections, maintenance and worker training are essential,” said Vijaykumar Kharote, additional commissioner, PCMC.
Deputy Commissioner Venkatesh Durvas added that handling high-risk materials like LPG requires strict adherence to safety protocols. Regular checks, maintenance and adequate training are basic responsibilities of every industry. This incident is a sharp reminder that safety lapses can have serious consequences
Fire Officer Rishikant Chipade said teams reached within moments of the alert. A significant LPG leak likely created a vapour cloud that ignited, and multiple cylinders inside made the operation challenging.
The blast occurred around 3.45 pm, causing dense smoke and panic. Teams from the Pimpri main fire station, Nehrunagar and Bhosari sub-stations conducted firefighting and rescue operations, evacuating all workers safely.
About 30 fire personnel, led by Deputy Fire Officers Gautam Ingawale and Dilip Gaikwad, brought the blaze under control.
Preliminary investigation points to an LPG leak. Authorities have urged industrial units to follow safety norms and report emergencies immediately.
The injured include Sunil Kumar, serious; Dau Kumar, Sudd Jaiswal, Suraj Jato, Rahul Kumar, and Rohit Kumar.