Mumbai: Three people were injured on Wednesday morning after a cooking gas cylinder exploded at a chawl in Mumbai’s western suburbs, officials said, highlighting ongoing safety concerns in densely populated residential areas. The incident occurred at Rajaram Chawl, located in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar-2, Goregaon West, around 7:40 am.

According to civic authorities, the explosion caused significant damage within the structure, including the collapse of a common wall between two ground-floor rooms. The extent of structural damage beyond the ground floor was not specified, but the blast prompted panic among residents of the tightly packed tenement.

Three individuals were directly affected by the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder blast, including two men and a woman. Local residents rushed the victims to nearby hospitals even before the arrival of the fire brigade. While the explosion did trigger a fire, residents managed to extinguish the flames using buckets of water, preventing further damage and potential casualties, according to officials.

Among the injured, the woman, Maltidevi (28), sustained burns covering approximately 30-35% of her body. She was initially admitted to HBT Trauma Care Hospital and has since been shifted to Sion Hospital for advanced treatment.

The two male victims, identified as Sarjan Ali Javed Shaikh (37) and Gul Mohammad Amin Shaikh (38), were admitted to the ICU at Ganesh Hospital in Borivali. Medical staff reported that Sarjan Shaikh suffered injuries to both legs but is currently in a stable condition. Gul Shaikh, however, remains in critical condition with severe back injuries, highlighting the potentially life-threatening nature of such domestic accidents.

Local authorities and residents described the scene as chaotic, with neighbors helping to evacuate others and provide first aid while waiting for emergency responders. “The entire building shook due to the blast. We rushed out immediately and helped the injured before the fire brigade could arrive. It could have been far worse,” said a resident who witnessed the explosion.

Cooking gas cylinder explosions are a recurring concern in Mumbai, particularly in older chawls and high-density residential areas, where safety standards are often compromised due to space constraints, inadequate ventilation, and aging infrastructure. The incident has once again drawn attention to the need for regular safety inspections, proper handling of LPG cylinders, and resident awareness regarding preventive measures.

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and fire department teams arrived at the site shortly after the incident. While no fatalities were reported, authorities confirmed that a detailed safety inspection of the building will be conducted to assess the structural integrity of the remaining floors and ensure that the chawl is safe for continued occupancy.

Residents expressed concerns over safety protocols in older buildings, noting that many chawls in Mumbai are decades old and house multiple families in close quarters. “We have raised concerns about gas safety and electrical wiring in the past, but enforcement is inconsistent. Incidents like these are a wake-up call,” a resident said.

Officials have urged the public to exercise caution while handling LPG cylinders, emphasizing that improper storage, failure to replace worn-out regulators, and neglecting routine leak checks can lead to serious accidents. Authorities also reiterated the importance of keeping flammable materials away from kitchens and ensuring proper ventilation in confined spaces.

This incident comes amid rising awareness of domestic hazards in urban India, where population density and limited space amplify the risks associated with common household items like LPG cylinders. In addition to immediate medical attention, affected residents may require structural repairs and rehabilitation support, authorities said.

The injured are receiving round-the-clock medical care, and hospital officials are monitoring their conditions closely. Maltidevi’s burns are being treated with specialised care, while the two men continue to receive critical care and physiotherapy as required.

The Maharashtra government and civic authorities are expected to issue safety advisories in the coming days to prevent similar mishaps, particularly in older residential complexes and chawls across Mumbai and other urban centers.

While the cause of the cylinder explosion is under investigation, preliminary reports suggest that leakage or improper handling of the LPG cylinder may have triggered the blast. Fire and safety officials are conducting a thorough probe to identify the exact sequence of events that led to the explosion.

As the investigation continues, residents in the area have been urged to exercise caution with LPG usage, check appliances regularly, and follow emergency protocols to minimise risk. Authorities also called for awareness drives and training for chawl residents to better manage potential fire and gas-related emergencies.

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