Gas Cylinder Explosion at Jodhpur Wedding Venue Leaves 11 Injured, 2 Critical

The property was owned by a local farmer named Veeram Ram. (Representational)

Jaipur:

On Tuesday, a devastating incident unfolded in Hardhani village near Bavdi in Jodhpur district when two gas cylinders consecutively exploded during wedding preparations, resulting in 11 people being injured, with two in critical condition.

ASI Dharmendra, who oversees the Bavdi outpost, reported that the explosions occurred at a residence where wedding arrangements were being made.

"The cylinders detonated during ongoing preparations. All injured individuals were immediately transported to hospitals in Jodhpur," he explained.

The casualties have been distributed across several medical facilities, with nine admitted to Mathuradas Mathur Hospital (MDM) and two at Mahatma Gandhi Hospital (MGH). An additional three people are undergoing treatment at a private medical facility in Bavdi. Dr. Vikas Rajpurohit, Superintendent of MDM Hospital, verified that most injuries resulted from iron fragments propelled by the explosions.

"Most of the injured are in stable condition, though two remain critical," he stated. According to Surta Ram, who witnessed the event, "Three or four individuals were injured in the initial explosion and were taken to Bavdi Hospital. Shortly thereafter, a second explosion occurred, wounding several others."

Initial investigations indicate that welding operations were taking place in proximity to the cylinders when the first explosion happened. One of the injured informed authorities that either a CNG tank or gas cylinder exploded, followed by a thunderous sound and thick smoke.

The residence belongs to Veeram Ram, a farmer whose son Mahendra and daughter Gogi were scheduled to be married on November 15 and 16 respectively.

Cylinder fragments were dispersed throughout the courtyard, injuring people working in the vicinity. Some sustained burns while others were struck by flying metal debris.

Officials have initiated an investigation into the explosion's cause, while local authorities have urged residents to exercise caution when handling gas cylinders and performing welding work.