Gas pipeline leak causes major fire in S Delhi
A gas pipeline of GAIL caught fire due to construction work of Delhi Metro near Sri Venkateswara College in south Delhi’s Dhaula Kuan on Friday. One person received minor injuries while four cars were gutted due to the fire.
The incident took place at around 9.30 am after which around 12 fire tenders were sent to the spot and the fire was brought under control by 11.30 am. A few elderly people and senior citizens were trapped on the second and third floor respectively and were safely evacuated by Army personnel.
“There was some civic construction going on near the under-ground pipeline. Metro construction work is going on along with flyover work below the pipeline,” said BC Tripathi, Chairman and Managing Director of GAIL India Ltd, the state gas utility which owns the pipeline.
A senior official said: “The incident took place when some PWD workers were carrying out digging work to test the soil of the spot for construction of an elevated flyover. They accidentally punctured the pipeline which caused the fire. Driver of an auto rickshaw who was passing by at the time of the incident suffered minor injuries on his face and stomach.”
The injured driver has been identified as Ramprakash (40) who was discharged after first aid.
“Four cars parked nearby the spot were completely gutted. With the help of Army personnel, the remaining cars were removed from the area and locals were evacuated. We have registered an FIR in this connection,” the official added.
The incident which took place in the middle of a residential area and shopping complex was brought under control through swift action by officials of the Army, fire services, police and GAIL.
The fire was first detected by a sentry of Army Transport Unit just opposite the place of incident.
“He first heard locals cry out and saw a huge fire. He immediately alerted the unit. The troops of the unit wasted no time in reaching the site with equipment including a water cannon,” an Army officials said.
Following the incident, police diverted traffic from Moti Bagh towards Rao Tula Ram Marg and Shaantipath while vehicles coming from Safdarjung Hospital towards Dhaula Kuan were diverted under Hyatt Hotel flyover towards Sarojini Nagar and RK Puram while traffic movement was not allowed from Rao Tula Ram Marg to Banitto Marg.
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