One dead, four injured after oxygen cylinder explodes in Delhi's Okhla

A tragic incident unfolded in Delhi's Okhla Phase-1 on Wednesday when an oxygen cylinder exploded, resulting in one death and four injuries, according to PTI. The unfortunate event occurred around 11 am near a community hall. Responding to the crisis, three water tenders and a multi-casualty first responder vehicle were swiftly dispatched to the spot.

The injured were promptly shifted to a nearby hospital. The sole fatality was identified as Mohit Singh, a 35-year-old helper at SM Traders. Police confirmed that Singh had been employed by the firm for approximately three years at the time of his untimely demise. Four others - Umesh, Arvind, Manoj and Pankaj - sustained injuries from the explosion.

The explosion transpired when SM Traders' commercial oxygen cylinders were being unloaded at the premises, from which one cylinder fell to the ground and detonated. SM Traders, which has been operating from the rented premises for about one to two years, deals in the trading and local distribution of industrial oxygen cylinders. The firm reportedly operates with three to four workers.

However, it's worth noting that no oxygen-filling plant was found or reported at the premises. The cylinders were initially filled in Ghaziabad and then supplied to local traders and industries, particularly in the Okhla area. The cylinders were reportedly sourced from a supplier named Ram Avtar, although the exact credentials of the supplier and the framework of statutes regulating storage, handling, and transportation of such cylinders are presently under investigation.

Police are diligently verifying all relevant documents such as purchase and sale records, invoices, and statutory permissions. As the investigation unfolds, no other details have been disclosed.