Ahmedabad: A gas cylinder explosion in Naranpura’s Chamundanagar area on Tuesday morning left five persons with severe burns and caused widespread damage to the house and nearby structures. The blast, which occurred around 5am, triggered panic among residents who said it sounded “like a bomb explosion”. The blast was so powerful that it ripped the iron door off the house and flung it into a house across the street.The blast shattered the windows of at least two nearby houses, jolting residents from their homes. Moments later, five occupants of the house, all with severe burns, ran towards the road pleading for help. Neighbours rushed to assist and tried to contain the fire until emergency responders arrived. Four of the five injured were identified as Raju Prajapati, 35; Hira Prajapati, 45; Manilal Kumawat, 46; and Sohan Kumar, 50.Locals played a crucial role in rescue operations. They shifted the injured to the hospital in 108 ambulances even before the fire brigade teams reached the spot. “We did whatever we could. First, we helped the injured and then tried to control the fire,” said a resident involved in the rescue.The explosion completely gutted the house. Clothes, bedding, groceries, footwear and electronic items were destroyed in the fire. The structure itself suffered heavy damage, with walls cracked and plaster peeled off. Nearby homes also sustained damage, primarily broken window panes, and reported structural vibrations resulting from the blast.Possible cause under scannerPreliminary investigation suggests a gas leak may have led to the explosion. A stove found at the scene had signs of damage, and one of its knobs may have been left open overnight, allowing gas to accumulate in the house.A spark, possibly from an electrical source in the morning, may have triggered the blast.Unanswered questionsA team from the Forensic Science Laboratory was called in to determine the exact cause of the explosion. Officials said a detailed scientific examination is underway.Authorities are also trying to ascertain details about the occupants and the ownership of the house, including whether the victims were tenants.Eyewitness accountsEyewitnesses recounted chilling moments following the explosion. “We heard a terrifying sound, like a bomb blast. It shook the entire area,” said a resident.Another eyewitness said, “When we opened the door, we saw people running out of the house with severe burns. We immediately rushed to help them.”Residents also removed gas cylinders from nearby houses, fearing further explosions, and attempted to douse the flames using available resources.Pointers:• Jan 11, 2026 – Bhimjipura, near Vadaj: LPG cylinder blast triggered fire in a residential area; multiple residents were affected, but no injuries were reported.• Dec 14, 2025 – Satyam Nagar: Cylinder leak explosion killed two siblings and critically injured the mother during cooking; fire spread rapidly inside the house, highlighting deadly indoor gas leak risks.• May 22, 2025 – Purvi Tower, Gurukul Road: AC blast triggered fire followed by two cylinder explosions; over 20 residents rescued from high-rise, no casualties but major damage to two flats.
