Jaunpur (UP), February 25 A major accident was narrowly avoided after a gas leak in an Indian Oil-Adani Gas Pvt Ltd (IOAGPL) pipeline triggered a fire in the Kotwali area of Jaunpur city on Wednesday, leaving two people injured, officials said.
The incident occurred near the Phool Mandi area near the Sipah police outpost when an excavator (JCB) allegedly struck the service regulator board of the pipeline, leading to a rapid gas leak.
Circle Officer (City) Goldy Gupta said that while employees present at the site were attempting to plug the leak, a sudden blaze erupted. The flames quickly spread towards a nearby bamboo structure, causing panic among residents and shopkeepers in the area.
Upon receiving information, a fire brigade team led by the Jaunpur fire officer rushed to the scene. Firefighters brought the blaze under control using fire extinguishers, a tanker, and buckets, officials said.
"The prompt action by the fire brigade helped avert a major disaster," Gupta said.
Meanwhile, IOAGPL employees present at the site managed to completely shut off the gas supply, after which the situation was brought under control.
Two persons sustained partial burn injuries in the incident and were hospitalised, police said.
Local residents said that had the fire not been contained in time, a major explosion could have occurred, affecting nearby shops and residential areas.
The administration has initiated an investigation into the incident, officials added.