The early Thursday morning calm was shattered at Tonca-Caranzalem when residents of Kamat Complex woke up to a loud blast from Flat No F-6, Phase II of the Society which occurred due to leakage and accumulation of cylinder gas in the flat. The impact of the blast was such that it affected houses in a radius of 25 metres. Seven flats located above and below and also the building opposite were damaged causing loss of over Rs 50 lakh. The flat where the blast occurred suffered damages to the tune of around Rs 35 lakh. At the time of the blast there was lone occupant in the flat who was asleep in the bedroom. No injuries have been reported except for a dog who suffered minor burns.
While the grill of flat No F-6 was blown off into the yard, the shock waves were powerful enough to shatter the window panes and doors of other flats.
Panaji fire station officials said they received a call at around 6 am informing them of the blast. Officials said prima facie it appears that rats chewed off the tube attached to the gas cylinder and it is suspected that sparks emanating from an electric socket located in the kitchen due to voltage fluctuation led to the blast.
Fire personnel highlighted the improper use of LPG cylinders in the flat and sought to underline the absence of orange safety tubes with steel mesh, which could have withstood rat bites. Also, the regulator used was of industrial quality, which allows more gas flow and hence is not advisable for domestic use.
Panaji police have booked a case against Jeston Silveira (27) under Section 336 (endangering life or personal safety of others) and Section 427 (mischief causing damage to the amount of fifty rupee or upwards) of IPC for acting negligently by using gas regulator and pipe which were not meant for domestic gas line, thereby endangering his own life and of others around him.
Anti-Terrorism Squad and Bomb Disposal Squad who visited the spot have ruled out the use of explosives in the blast. While senior officers from Intelligence Bureau were present at the site,
officers from Bharat Petroleum were also present.
