Cylinder Blast Outside Metro Station Injures Several at Food Stall

New Delhi, August 12

A powerful LPG cylinder explosion at a roadside food stall outside a bustling metro station left several people injured and caused widespread panic among morning commuters.

The incident occurred at approximately 9:15 AM, right in the middle of the morning rush. The explosion sent shockwaves through the crowded area, forcing hundreds of passengers and pedestrians to scatter in fear.

How the Incident Unfolded

The stall, known locally for serving tea and breakfast snacks, was located just meters away from the station’s main exit. Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud blast followed by flames and thick smoke.

“I was standing in line for tea when I smelled gas,” said Meena Gupta, a commuter. “Within seconds, there was a huge explosion. Everyone started running. I saw the stall owner fall to the ground, his clothes on fire.”

Nearby shopkeepers attempted to put out the flames using buckets of water and sand before the Delhi Fire Service arrived. Firefighters managed to control the blaze within 15 minutes, preventing it from spreading to nearby structures.

Casualties and Damage

According to police sources, at least four people were injured, including:

• The stall owner (suffered burns)
• A delivery driver parked nearby
• Two commuters exiting the metro station

They were immediately taken to Lok Nayak Hospital for treatment. Doctors report that one victim is in critical condition.

The blast caused:

• Destruction of the food stall and another adjacent snack cart
• Damage to the metro station’s outer wall and signage
• Shattered glass of a mobile recharge kiosk
• Burns on several parked two-wheelers

Preliminary Investigation

Police and forensic experts believe the cause of the blast may be a gas leak from a faulty LPG cylinder connection. Officials are also examining whether the cylinder had been illegally refilled—a common practice among roadside vendors to save costs.

“We are collecting samples and will review CCTV footage to establish the sequence of events,” said ACP Rajesh Mehra, leading the investigation.

Official Reactions

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) confirmed that train operations were not affected, but entry through Gate No. 3 was temporarily suspended for safety.

A DMRC spokesperson said: The safety of our passengers is our top priority. We have asked local authorities to review all roadside vending activities near metro stations.

Local residents have expressed concern over the growing number of makeshift stalls operating dangerously close to public transport hubs.

Recurring Problem in Indian Cities

Such incidents are not uncommon in crowded urban markets and near transportation hubs. In the past five years, over 200 small-scale LPG-related accidents have been reported in Delhi alone, often linked to poor cylinder maintenance, leaky pipes, or unregulated usage.

Safety Tips for Roadside Vendors & Public

For Vendors:

• Inspect gas pipes and regulators regularly for leaks
• Use ISI-certified cylinders and regulators
• Keep fire extinguishers within easy reach
• Avoid cooking near flammable materials
• Never refill cylinders illegally

For Commuters/Public:

• Stay alert when passing food stalls using LPG
• Report any strong gas smell to the vendor or authorities immediately
• Maintain a safe distance if you notice open flames near gas equipment

Eyewitness Narratives

Rahul Verma, a metro passenger who helped rescue the injured, described the scene: There was chaos everywhere—people screaming, smoke everywhere, bikes on fire. We had to break open the stall’s back gate to drag the vendor out. His hands were badly burned.

Another witness, Salma Khan, added: We’ve been warning the stall owner for weeks about the smell of gas. Sadly, he ignored it, and today this happened.

What Happens Next

Police have registered a case under sections related to negligence and endangering public life. The food stall owner will be questioned once his condition stabilizes.

Authorities are considering a blanket ban on LPG cylinders in unauthorized stalls within 50 meters of metro station premises.