Repair work on tanker leads to explosion, kills 2

Two people, including a minor, lost their lives when a gas tanker exploded at a garage in Chembur on Tuesday morning.

According to the police, the accident happened due to negligence on part of the repairman, who was carrying out welding work on the vehicle, and the owner of the garage.

The RCF police said the incident happened around 10am at Om Sai Service centre on LU Marg. The deceased have been identified as Shakeel Khan, 18, the welder, a resident of Mahul Road, and Manish Rajesh Patel, 14, the tanker cleaner, a resident of Vashi naka.

Investigation done so far has revealed that the tanker, which ferried petrol and diesel, was brought to the service centre empty for minor welding work. The driver dropped off the vehicle and left for home, leaving Patel to look after the repairs.

“Before starting the work, no one bothered to open the vehicle's valve to release the gas accumulated inside because of the fuel,” said an officer. “When Khan started the work, the welding machine emitted a spark, which is what led to the explosion.”

Khan and Patel suffered serious burns and were taken to hospital by the locals. The two, however, succumbed to their injuries.

The police have registered case against the garage owner, identified only as Mishra. “We have registered a case against him under section 304 A (causing death by negligence) of the Indian Penal Code,” said Dilip Raut, senior inspector attached with the RCF police station.