CNG cylinder blast in Delhi triggers crash that wounds six, two of them legislators

A CNG cylinder detonated on a Delhi road shortly before 10 p.m., sending a nearby car into a reckless drift that slammed into an SUV. The impact left six people with injuries ranging from minor cuts to more serious bruises. Among those taken to hospital were two elected representatives: Anil Jha, the sitting MLA from Kirari, and Abhay Patel, a Karnataka legislator visiting the capital.

Police reports indicate the explosion occurred near a busy intersection in the city’s northern sector. Witnesses said the blast produced a loud bang and a flash, after which the driver of a compact car appeared disoriented and veered sharply into the lane of an SUV that was traveling in the opposite direction. Emergency services arrived within minutes, cordoning off the scene and transporting the injured to a nearby medical facility.

Both MLAs were reported to be in stable condition after receiving treatment for contusions and a sprained neck. The remaining four victims, identified as local commuters, were also discharged after receiving basic medical care. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the cylinder failure and to assess whether safety protocols at the nearby CNG refilling station were followed.

The Delhi Police have urged commuters to exercise caution when refueling CNG vehicles and to report any irregularities in cylinder handling. A spokesperson for the transport department emphasized that regular inspections are mandatory for all CNG cylinders to prevent similar incidents.

The incident has sparked a brief discussion among lawmakers about strengthening safety standards for CNG infrastructure across the city. While no fatalities were reported, the event underscores the potential hazards associated with faulty gas cylinders in densely populated urban areas.