Bihar: Blast During Drain Digging Leaves One Dead in Muzaffarpur

Muzaffarpur, Bihar: One person died and four or five others were injured after a gas pipeline exploded in the Gobarsahi area of Sadar police station jurisdiction on Monday, November 2.

The injured were admitted to hospitals and are currently under treatment. A JCB machine being used for drain construction and several vehicles nearby were also damaged. The explosion was heard from far away, and people from the surrounding neighbourhoods rushed to the location.

Reports indicate that a JCB was digging on the route from Gobarsahi towards Dumri to construct a drain when the machine hit a gas pipeline. The damaged pipe began leaking gas. Soon after, a strong explosion took place, spreading fear and confusion in the locality.

Residents stated that a team had been called after the gas leak was noticed so that the pipeline could be closed. According to them, however, the team did not arrive for around half an hour, and the blast occurred in the meantime. Some vehicles standing close by were damaged as well.

Fire brigade personnel and Sadar police arrived at the scene after the incident was reported, and rescue and relief operations were started.

The injured have been taken to Sadar Hospital and Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH) for treatment. District administration officials are at the site, investigating the incident. Steps are also being taken to stop the gas leak and secure the area.

Nagar-2 Sub-Divisional Police Officer Deepak Kumar said Sadar police station received information that a gas pipeline had been damaged while a road was being dug. He said one death has been reported so far and four or five people have been injured. Police and fire brigade teams are present, and a rescue operation is underway. He added that the administration and police will take the required action.