Bengaluru: A 23-year-old software engineer died and three others were injured after a commercial gas cylinder exploded at a paying guest (PG) accommodation in Kundalahalli, Bengaluru, police said, reported news agency PTI. The explosion took place around 6.15 pm on Monday at Seven Hills Sai Co-Living PG, which falls under the HAL Police Station limits.
The blast caused panic among residents and nearby locals, who rushed to help the injured before emergency services arrived.
The deceased has been identified as Aravind, a native of Ballari. He was working as a senior analyst with IT firm Capgemini. The injured persons were shifted to a nearby hospital, where they are currently undergoing treatment, added the media report.
A video of the incident was shared by Karnataka Portfolio, a social media handle on X (formerly Twitter) with 17.2K followers, showing a massive fire and thick black smoke billowing from the building.
What Triggered the Explosion?
Police said the explosion was caused by a commercial gas cylinder used in the PG. An investigation has been launched to find out how the cylinder exploded and whether there was any negligence in handling or safety measures.
Three other residents sustained injuries in the explosion and are currently undergoing treatment at Brookfield Hospital. The explosion occurred in a seven-storey (G+6) building with 43 rooms.
Fire tenders and emergency services, along with local police, rushed to the spot and carried out evacuation and fire-control operations.
Preliminary investigation suggests that a commercial-grade gas cylinder was involved in the blast, though the exact cause of ignition is yet to be determined, police added.
A case has been registered against the PG management and further investigation is underway, police said.