A major fire broke out at midnight on Sunday after a heavy leakage from Mahanagar Gas Ltd (MGL) pipeline in Andheri East. The incident took place near Sher-E-Punjab society after two MGL pipelines were punctured due road digging carried by the BMC. The blaze erupted in such intensity that two moving bikes and an auto rickshaw on the road also caught fire. Three people sustained severe burn injuries and were taken to Trauma Care hospital. The injured includes the bike riders and the autorickshaw driver, the vehicles which were engulfed in the blaze.
“The incident was reported at 12.35 am at Sher-E-Punjab society, near Gurudwara in Andheri East. The fire was confined due to heavy leakage from MGL- PNG pipeline passing through middle of the road. Two moving vehicles were also engulfed in the fire. The blaze was extinguished by the Mumbai Fire Brigade at 1.34 am,” a statement released by BMC’s disaster management department said.
Gas supply pipeline passing through middle of the road, at Andheri | FPJ/ Salman Ansari
Gas supply pipeline passing through middle of the road, at Andheri
Gas supply pipeline passing through middle of the road, at Andheri | FPJ/ Salman Ansari
The two bike riders injured are identified as Arvindkumar Kaithal (21) who suffered 30% to 40% burns and Aman Harishankar Saroj (22) who suffered 40% to 50% burns. The autorickshaw driver who also was injured is identified as Suresh Kailas Gupta (52) who suffered 20% burn injuries. Out of the three, Kaithal and Saroj were discharged against medical advice from the Trauma Care hospital and Gupta is admitted in the Intensive Care Unit.
As per a BMC officer, “There were two works underway in the area, one by roads department and other by sewerage operations. The road digging was done with the help of JCB machine, however it is not confirmed by which which work the MGL pipeline was damaged. A main line and a low intensity gas pipeline were punctured due to which the fire erupted.”
A statement issued by MGL said, “MGL gas pipeline was damaged due to JCB impact during unauthorised uncontrolled digging last night leading to fire near Sher-e- Punjab Society Near Gurudwara, Pump House, Andheri East. Fire was extinguished by the Fire Brigade and MGL Emergency team. The gas supply was stopped for repair work of pipeline.”
“Concerned authorities incuding police are investigating into the whole event to find out the persons and agencies involved, which lead to this unfortunate event,” the MGL statement added.
To avoid such incidents MGL has been constantly coordinating with BMC and has been holding discussions with senior officials of BMC. Additionally has set up a dedicated number 1800 2100 2100 where the general public can notify MGL about uncontrolled digging and ensure safety of the people.
Due to damage to MGL pipeline the gas supply to Sher-E-Punjab,Takshashila Colony, Model Town, Poonam Nagar, Durga Nagar, Andheri East was stopped as a precautionary measure. The pipeline was rectified before noon and the gas supply was restored.
