India: Over 70 people hospitalised after gas cylinder explodes in Gujarat's Palanpur

A gas cylinder exploded in the Indian state of Gujarat on Thursday (May 23) after which several people experienced difficulty in breathing and were rushed to the hospital.

The incident took placein a scrap shop near the Malan Darwaja of Palanpur in Banaskantha.

An official of Palanpur Civil Hospital said that the gas had spread in the area making it difficult for the people to breathe.

As per the official, around 60-70 people were brought to the hospital. One of them was in critical condition and on a ventilator.

"The gas also spread in the area and people faced difficulty in breathing. Around 60-70 people were brought to Palanpur Civil Hospital. One patient is critical and he is on a ventilator. Currently, around 30 patients are still under treatment," said the official.

#WATCH | Banaskantha, Gujarat: Several people were admitted to hospital after a gas cylinder exploded in a scrap shop near the Malan Darwaja of Palanpur

"The gas also spread in the area and people faced difficulty in breathing. Around 60-70 people were brought to Palanpur Civil… pic.twitter.com/WxTuR1AZPd — ANI (@ANI) May 23, 2024

Banaskantha Superintendent of Police (SP) said, "Today around 6 pm, an incident of gas leakage was reported in the area near the Malan Darwaja of Palanpur city area. As soon as information about the incident was received, the administration and police department immediately reached the spot."

"Around 89 people have been shifted to Palanpur Civil Hospital and none of them are in danger right now. The reason behind the gas leak is being investigated. Preliminary it seems that the gas has leaked from a scrap shop," he added.

A probe has been launched into the incident to ascertain the cause behind the explosion.

(With inputs from agencies)