Gas cylinder explosion at Kamal Pokhari injures 14; One in critical condition

KATHMANDU: A gas cylinder explosion rocked Kamal Pokhari in Kathmandu this morning, leaving 14 people injured and causing significant structural damage to a building. The incident occurred at approximately 9:45 AM at the Sanadar M:M. Emergency response teams were immediately dispatched to the scene, and the injured were rushed to nearby Hospital for treatment.

According to Senior Inspector Shekhar Khanal, spokesperson for the Kathmandu Valley Police Office, the explosion was caused by a gas cylinder that detonated inside the store. The blast was powerful enough to shatter the ceiling of the building, which collapsed, exacerbating the injuries sustained by those present. Among the injured are employees of the store, with one victim identified as 24-year-old Sanjog Magar from Udayapur, who remains in critical condition. Eleven of the injured have been hospitalized, while three others sustained minor injuries and are reported to be stable.

Eyewitnesses described chaos and panic in the aftermath of the explosion. “The sound was deafening, and smoke filled the area. People were screaming for help,” said a local resident who witnessed the incident. The force of the blast shattered windows and damaged nearby vehicles, further highlighting the intensity of the explosion.

Disaster management teams from Nepal Police, along with a specialized unit from Maligaun Police, were deployed to the site to assess the situation and assist with rescue operations. Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the explosion, focusing on whether safety protocols for handling gas cylinders were followed. Preliminary reports suggest that improper storage or a faulty cylinder may have contributed to the disaster.

The incident has raised concerns about the safety of gas cylinders, which are widely used across Nepal for cooking and heating. Experts have long warned about the risks associated with poorly maintained or mishandled cylinders, particularly in urban areas where buildings are densely packed. “This tragedy underscores the urgent need for stricter enforcement of safety standards and public awareness campaigns about the proper use of gas cylinders,” said a local safety advocate.

Local authorities have urged residents and businesses to exercise caution when using gas cylinders and to ensure they are stored in well-ventilated areas away from heat sources. They also emphasized the importance of regular inspections to prevent similar incidents in the future.

As recovery efforts continue, the community is coming together to support the victims and their families. Donations and assistance are being organized to help cover medical expenses for those injured. Meanwhile, the critically injured Sanjog Magar remains under intensive care, with doctors closely monitoring his condition.

The Kamal Pokhari explosion serves as a grim reminder of the potential dangers posed by gas cylinders and the importance of adhering to safety guidelines. Authorities have pledged to take necessary measures to prevent such incidents, but questions remain about the adequacy of existing regulations and their enforcement.

This incident has sparked calls for immediate action to improve safety standards and protect lives in Kathmandu and beyond. As investigations progress, residents hope that lessons will be learned to ensure such tragedies do not occur again.