CNG cylinder of car explodes in Vadodara, metal shards fly 200 m, injure 5

A CNG cylinder explosion ripped through a parked car in Vadodara’s Ramwadi area early Thursday morning, November 5, injuring five people and sending metal shards flying up to 200 meters away, according to police. The blast occurred around 2 am. The victims were identified as Deepikaben Makwana, Ushaben Makwana, Naginbhai Parmar, Savitaben Vaghela, and Vinaben Parmar.

All were rushed to the hospital for treatment. Eyewitnesses reported that the hatchback car had burst into flames late Wednesday night, causing panic in the area. Residents called the Fire Brigade, but curious passersby also arrived to witness the burning vehicle. Suddenly, the CNG cylinder exploded, tearing the car apart and scattering metal fragments across the neighborhood, damaging a nearby kiosk.

Deepikaben Makwana's sister, who suffered a leg injury, was putting up Diwali decorations when she heard a loud explosion. A friend alerted her to the burning car and asked her to move her parked vehicle. Just as she stepped out, the CNG cylinder exploded. Deepikaben Makwana accused the car's owner of installing a CNG kit in the vehicle just 15 days prior.

The owner had parked the car temporarily as he needed to drive his father to the airport. Makwana demanded that the owner cover his mother and sister's hospital expenses. The kiosk belonging to Makwana's disabled father was also destroyed in the blast, along with three bicycles, chairs, and snacks and chocolates. Metal fragments were ejected across three lanes, injuring another person near a temple.

Police, fire personnel, and ambulances arrived at the scene, bringing the blaze under control and preventing further spread. Police Inspector A M Gadhavi of Fatehgunj police station said they had not lodged an FIR yet, as they were still investigating the cause of the fire and the CNG cylinder explosion.