Kataka: Seven people, including a shopkeeper, were reportedly seriously injured in a gas cylinder explosion at a snack shop in Japakud Market under Salepur block in Odisha’s Kataka district on Sunday, police said.
The injured include shopkeeper Dinabandhu Sahu, two customers, two women who were waiting outside the shop, and a young girl.
According to eyewitnesses, Sahu arrived at his shop in the afternoon to open it when a gas leak from a cylinder inside the establishment reportedly triggered a sudden explosion. The blast caused flames to spread rapidly, leaving Sahu and several people nearby with burn injuries.
Local residents rushed to the spot, rescued the injured and arranged for their transportation by ambulance to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Kataka for treatment.
On receiving information, police personnel from Salepur and fire brigade teams rushed to the scene and brought the blaze under control.
The timely intervention of the fire brigade helped prevent further damage in the busy market area.
Police have initiated an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the gas leak and the circumstances leading to the explosion.
The incident has triggered concern among residents and traders in the locality.
