LPG tanker explosion in Punjab created panic late Friday night when a massive blast occurred in Hoshiarpur district. The accident happened near Mandiala village on the Hoshiarpur-Jalandhar National Highway, leaving over 30 people severely injured and at least one confirmed dead. The situation turned chaotic as the fire spread rapidly to nearby houses, forcing hundreds of residents to flee their homes.
How the LPG Tanker Explosion Happened
According to early reports, the incident took place when an LPG-filled tanker overturned after colliding with another vehicle on the busy highway. The impact was so powerful that the tanker fell sideways, causing a major gas leak. Within minutes, the leaked LPG caught fire, leading to a massive explosion that shook the surrounding areas.
Eyewitness Avtar Singh, who lives close to the accident site, said, “The tanker collided with another truck and overturned. The explosion was so strong that the sound echoed several kilometers away. People panicked and started running out of their homes.”
The blast reportedly sent shockwaves up to 7 kilometers, damaging nearby houses and creating a fire trail wherever the gas leaked. Locals claimed the flames quickly reached residential areas, triggering a terrifying situation.
Casualties and Injuries
Though an official confirmation on the exact number of casualties is still awaited, initial reports suggest that more than 30 people sustained burn injuries. One death has already been confirmed. Victims were rushed to nearby hospitals in Hoshiarpur and Jalandhar, while many critically injured patients were moved to civil hospitals for urgent treatment.
Punjab Cabinet Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh, who reached the site immediately after the blast, called it a “heartbreaking and unimaginable tragedy.” He said, “We are shifting people to hospitals as quickly as possible. Teams are working tirelessly to ensure no one is left trapped inside homes. At this moment, we do not have the exact figures of casualties, but many have been admitted to the civil hospital.”
Emergency Response and Highway Closure
As soon as the LPG tanker explosion in Punjab was reported, senior police officers, fire brigades from Jalandhar, Talwara, and Dasuha, and district administration officials rushed to the scene. Rescue operations began immediately to control the fire and evacuate residents from the affected area.
Authorities ordered the closure of the Hoshiarpur-Jalandhar National Highway to prevent further accidents and ensure smooth movement of rescue vehicles. Power supply in the entire area was cut off as a precautionary measure to reduce the risk of further explosions.
Voices from the Ground
Residents of Mandiala village described the situation as “nightmarish.” Several families left their homes and shifted nearly three to four kilometers away in fear of another blast. Many said they had never witnessed such devastation in their lifetime.
One villager said, “The sound of the explosion was so loud that we thought an earthquake had hit the region. Fire spread into the houses within minutes, and people had no time to save their belongings. Everyone just ran for their lives.”
Official Statement and Government Action
Punjab Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh reassured the public that every possible step is being taken. He confirmed that multiple fire brigade units are working round the clock to douse the flames. The minister also added that government relief and medical teams are stationed in the area to provide immediate help.
Meanwhile, police have launched an investigation to determine the exact cause of the accident. Preliminary inputs suggest that reckless driving and overspeeding could be reasons behind the collision that led to the tanker overturning.
Safety Concerns Highlighted
This incident has once again raised concerns about the safety of transporting hazardous materials like LPG through busy highways and densely populated areas. Experts believe stricter regulations, better monitoring, and improved driver training are urgently needed to avoid such tragic accidents in the future.
The LPG tanker explosion in Punjab is a reminder of how dangerous gas leaks and highway collisions can be, not only for drivers but also for nearby residents. Safety audits of tanker routes, availability of emergency response units, and proper handling of hazardous materials are being stressed upon by both citizens and activists.
Key Details of the Incident
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Mandiala village, Hoshiarpur district, Punjab |
| Date & Time | Late Friday night |
| Cause | LPG tanker overturned after collision with another vehicle |
| Casualties | Over 30 injured, 1 confirmed dead (official confirmation awaited) |
| Explosion Impact | Sound heard up to 7 km away |
| Fire Spread | Flames reached nearby houses, mass evacuation carried out |
| Response | Fire brigades from Jalandhar, Talwara, Dasuha deployed |
| Road Status | Hoshiarpur-Jalandhar Highway closed |
| Power Supply | Temporarily cut in the affected area |
| Government Action | Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh visited site, relief operations in progress |
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The Road Ahead
While rescue and relief operations continue, the state government has assured strict action against those responsible for the mishap. Compensation and financial aid are also expected to be announced soon for the victims and their families.
Residents are still in shock, recalling how the peaceful Friday night turned into chaos within minutes. Hospitals in the region are on high alert as more injured people are being brought in for treatment.
As investigations proceed, the tragic LPG tanker explosion in Punjab serves as a harsh lesson in the importance of road safety, proper handling of hazardous goods, and the urgent need for disaster preparedness.
