Woman killed in small LPG cylinder blast

Patna: A woman was killed in LPG cylinder blast in her rented accommodation in Ajanta Colony under Pataliputra police station area while she was preparing lunch on Sunday. However, her kids, who were near her at the time of the accident, escaped unhurt.
Kanti Devi, 42, wife of Ranjeet Singh, a construction worker, was using a small LPG cylinder for preparing the food.Police sources could not ascertain the make and model of the cylinder as only a few fragments were identified in and around the blast site. Patna SSP Jitender Rana confirmed the woman’s death.
It may be recalled that two LPG cylinders had exploded in Anandpuri locality under S K Puri police station area on November 30 and one Umesh Prasad’s house was blown up in the accident. However, all his five family members escaped unhurt.
When asked about the causes behind such accidents, experts said substandard cylinders, old valves, worn-out regulators and lack of awareness about using gas cylinders were the reasons. They said illegal filling of cylinders was also causing blasts. “While regular costumer is given valves and regulators which have the ISI stamp, consumers buying cylinders from the grey market have no option but to purchase substandard products,” said an expert, who did not wish to be quoted.
He said the LPG cylinders purchased from the grey market are not certified by Petrol and Explosive Safety Organization and those purchasing them might compromise their safety. They said the consumers must also check the due date on the cylinders.
An official of Indian Oil Corporation Limited said the certified cylinder bursts only on being thrown to major fire because of the excessive expansion of compressed LPG kept in it. “We always check the cylinders by adding high pressures. It is found that the certified cylinders can tolerate gas pressure up to 45 kilogram per square centimetre. We also do quality checks for valve leakage and the O-ring in the valve which is attached to the regulator also inhibits probability of leakage,” the official said.
While it is advised to change the rubber tube of the connection every three years, some consumers use it without a replacement for five to ten years, resulting in wear and tear, adding to the risk factor.