Ghaziabad (UP), Feb 2 (PTI) – In the wake of a massive gas cylinder explosion in Ghaziabad, Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) MLA Madan Bhaiya has written to Union Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, raising concerns over alleged safety lapses by three major petroleum companies.
The MLA from Khatauli, Muzaffarnagar, has accused Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL), and Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) of negligence, holding them accountable for endangering public safety. He called for strict action against the companies’ administrative officers, asserting that their lack of oversight was tarnishing the central government's reputation.
Madan Bhaiya, a former MLA from Loni and a native of Jawali village in Ghaziabad’s Teela Morh area, stressed that responsibility must be fixed in cases where explosions occur in moving or stationary trucks, as such incidents pose a severe threat to human lives.
Ghaziabad Cylinder Explosion: What Happened?
A massive fire erupted near Bhopura trisection around 4 AM on Saturday, leading to a series of explosions involving over 60 cooking gas cylinders loaded in a truck bound for Ghaziabad. Officials suspect the blast was triggered by friction in the cylinders.The explosion caused extensive damage, gutting at least four furniture shops and damaging multiple parked vehicles nearby. Chief Fire Officer Rahul Pal stated that more than eight fire tenders were deployed, taking around 90 minutes to bring the flames under control. Fortunately, no casualties were reported.
With safety concerns mounting, Madan Bhaiya’s letter underscores the urgency for stricter regulations and enforcement to prevent such hazardous incidents in the future.