2 brothers die after cylinder blast in illegal godown in Delhi

NEW DELHI: A day after a cylinder blast rocked an illegal godown in North East Delhi’s Nand Nagri, two young brothers succumbed to severe burn injuries on Saturday, while their third sibling and a worker remain in critical condition.Police said the explosion occurred on the ground floor of a residential building, where an unauthorized gas cylinder godown was being operated. The three brothers, aged between 3 and 7, were visiting their grandmother during school holidays and were staying on the first floor when the incident occurred.The two deceased children, aged 4 and 7, suffered 90% and 85% burn injuries respectively and died during treatment.

Their three-year-old brother, who also received 85% burns, is currently battling for his life in the hospital. A worker at the godown also sustained 70% burn injuries.Initial investigations revealed that storing LPG cylinders in a residential building is a clear violation of safety norms. “Operating such a facility in a residential area is illegal. We are preparing a detailed report, which will be submitted to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) for further action,” a senior police officer said.

He added that teams have been formed to track down the building and godown owners, who are currently absconding.The children’s father, a tailor by profession, lived with his family on the upper floor of the same building. The tragedy has sparked outrage in the locality, with residents demanding strict action against those responsible.A case has been registered under sections 106(1) (causing death by negligence), 287 (negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter), 125A (act endangering life or personal safety of others), and 326(G) (mischief by fire or explosive substances) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).Police confirmed that raids are ongoing to arrest the accused, and further investigation is underway.Police were informed about the blast at 4:33 PM, following which two fire tenders and 12 firefighters were dispatched to the spot.The explosion occurred at a godown on Street Number 6. During a repair operation, a CNG cylinder reportedly exploded, with the impact forcefully breaking the iron gate. The three brothers, who were playing nearby, sustained severe burn injuries.“We are investigating whether gas was left in the cylinder. It’s possible that a grinder was used during the repair, and a spark might have ignited the fire,” a police official said.