Gas leak during cylinder cutting at scrap shop sparks panic in Indore

INDORE: A late-night attempt to cut open a gas cylinder at a scrap shop triggered panic in Raoji Bazar area after a suspicious gas leaked into the air, forcing residents out of their homes and sending five people to hospital.

The incident took place under the Kaktpura bridge within the limits of Raoji Bazar police station in Indore.

Additional DCP Dishesh Agarwal said, "A scrap dealer, identified as Shahzad, was cutting open a cylinder that still contained gas it began escaping. The smell spread quickly through the densely populated locality, and residents reported breathlessness, throat irritation and nausea."

"Two women were among five people taken to hospital as a precaution after they complained of breathing difficulty and vomiting. All five are stable and none is critical," said Agarwal.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Anand Kaladgi said the leak started during the cutting of the cylinder. The scrap dealer was detained for questioning. Police have initiated an inquiry to determine how the cylinder reached the shop and whether safety norms were violated.

As the gas spread, residents gathered on the streets while police and administrative teams reached the spot. The fire brigade secured the cylinder and removed it from the area. Water tankers were pressed into service and water was sprayed around the site to dilute the gas.

Officials said that it is suspected that the fas was ammonia. Ammonia is commonly used in cold storage units, ice factories and other industrial establishments. Exposure can cause irritation in the eyes and throat, coughing, breathing distress, headache, nausea and vomiting.

Authorities said the situation was brought under control after the cylinder was seized and the area flushed with water. Further investigation is underway.