An illegal gas refilling shop caught fire in Surat's Seemada area, leading to the death of one woman and injuries to three others. During the investigation of the blast, a total of 27 gas cylinders, including commercial and domestic ones, were found. The owner of the shop, Chandmal Gujjar, had been running the illegal business inside his grocery shop in front of his house. A warehouse was built behind the shop for the gas cylinders.
The incident occurred on February 1, 2023, when a gas cylinder in the godown caught fire due to a flash fire. The blaze also engulfed the grocery shop and the house. The victims were immediately taken to the hospital, where Sheilaben died during treatment.
The Sarthana police, who reached the spot, found 5 commercial cylinders, 13 domestic cylinders, and 12 small cylinders from inside the shop. Two pipes, along with a small filled bottle, were also found in the illegal godown.
The Supply Department has started an investigation, and a case of culpable homicide has been registered against Chandmal Gujjar. The police have seized all the cylinders from the spot. The incident highlights the dangers of illegal gas refilling and the need for stricter regulations to prevent such incidents.
