Bhuj: Four members of a family, including two children, were killed after the fuel tank of a small commercial vehicle exploded at a scrap yard in Gujarat’s Kutch district on Saturday afternoon, with police investigating the exact cause of the blast.
The incident took place in the Nakhatrana area, where two brothers were reportedly unloading scrap from the vehicle when it exploded.
The two children were standing near the vehicle at the time and were also caught in the blast, according to police.
The deceased have been identified as Mohammed Iliyas, 30; Noor Mohammad Iliyas, 26; Hussain Mohammed, 3.5; and Noor Fatima, 3. Police said all four belonged to the same family.
Officials said the incident appeared to involve an explosion in the diesel tank of a small commercial vehicle. “Four persons, including two children, have died following what appears to be a blast in the diesel tank of a small commercial vehicle in Nakhatrana,” they said.
The force of the explosion killed the two brothers who were working at the vehicle and the two children who were nearby.
The incident has left the family in mourning, with the deaths of the two brothers and their children turning the accident into a family tragedy.
Police and administrative teams reached the site and began collecting evidence. Officials said the investigation is focused on establishing what triggered the explosion and examining the circumstances surrounding the vehicle and its fuel tank.
The exact cause has not yet been established. Authorities are expected to examine the wreckage and other evidence before determining whether the explosion resulted from a mechanical fault, fuel-related issue or another cause.
Police have stressed that the cause will be known only after the investigation is completed.
The latest incident comes as authorities continue to investigate industrial and workplace accidents involving combustible materials in Gujarat.
In July, nine people, including three children, were killed in a blast and fire at an illegal firecracker unit in Ahmedabad’s Ramol area, highlighting the risks associated with hazardous materials and unsafe handling.
(IANS)
