'We Had Warned Them': Muzaffarpur PNG Pipeline Blast Kills 1, Injures 6
A PNG pipeline explosion in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, kills one and injures six. Victims allege warnings were ignored before the blast.
A devastating Muzaffarpur PNG pipeline explosion has left one person dead and six others injured, sparking serious allegations of negligence. While officials point to a technical accident during construction, a victim of the tragedy claims that the disaster could have been avoided if their prior warnings had been heeded.
Victims Allege Warnings Were Ignored
In a heart-wrenching account, one of the victims spoke about the chaos that ensued during the blast, stating that everything they owned was reduced to ashes. The victim alleged that they had pleaded with the authorities or workers beforehand, warning them that a mishap was likely, but their concerns were dismissed.
The impact on the family has been severe. The victim highlighted that two of her daughters-in-law suffered deep injuries to their legs, leaving them covered in severe scratches and bruises.
The Cause: JCB Excavation Gone Wrong
Providing the official version of events, Muzaffarpur District Magistrate Kumar Gaurav revealed that preliminary investigations have identified the cause of the blast. According to the DM, a JCB machine was engaged in excavation work for the construction of a drainage system when it accidentally damaged a PNG (Piped Natural Gas) pipeline.
This rupture triggered a massive leak, which eventually led to the explosion. The DM noted a critical window of 25 to 30 minutes between the initial gas leak and the subsequent blast, suggesting that the response time was insufficient to bring the situation under control.
Casualties and Medical Emergency
The blast resulted in one fatality and six injuries. The injured were rushed to nearby medical facilities for urgent care:
- Sadar Hospital: Four injured individuals are currently undergoing treatment here.
- Shri Krishna Medical College and Hospital (SKMCH): Two victims were admitted here. One is in critical condition with burns covering over 80 per cent of their body, while the second person is stable with approximately 20 per cent burns.
Investigation and Accountability
District Magistrate Kumar Gaurav has confirmed that a formal committee has been constituted to investigate the exact circumstances of the incident. The primary goal of the probe is to ascertain whether there was criminal or professional negligence involved in the excavation process.
"We will conduct a comprehensive review and investigation, followed by the formulation of an SOP. Furthermore, action will be taken against those found responsible for any negligence," stated DM Kumar Gaurav.
The administration is now focusing on the sequence of events to determine exactly where the lapses occurred and who will be held accountable for the loss of life and property.