Mumbai, India—Seven people were injured Thursday afternoon when a gas cylinder exploded inside a restaurant in central Mumbai. The blast shattered the front glass facade and sent debris flying onto the crowded street. Diners and staff scrambled to exit the building as thick black smoke filled the interior dining space.
Emergency fire crews responded to the site within minutes of the alarm. They worked to douse the flames before the fire could spread to adjacent retail units. Ambulances transported the seven injured victims to a nearby municipal hospital where medical staff are treating them for burns and blast-related trauma.
The blast appears to have originated in the kitchen area where multiple cylinders were stored. Investigators are looking into whether a leak triggered the explosion during the lunch rush. The site has been declared unsafe while structural engineers evaluate the integrity of the building.
Commuters and onlookers gathered around the police perimeter, causing significant traffic bottlenecks in the city center. Officers directed crowds away from the site as a safety precaution against secondary collapses. The road remains blocked while the fire department clears the wreckage and secures the gas lines.
Business owners in the immediate vicinity have been told to close their shops until the investigation concludes. The owner of the restaurant is currently cooperating with police to provide access to maintenance records and safety logs. Local authorities are using this event to re-evaluate fire safety compliance for all food venues.
Witnesses described a massive boom that shook the pavement under their feet. Many thought it was a mechanical failure before realizing the source of the fire. The rapid arrival of responders helped keep the injury count from rising significantly higher.
Hospital officials have confirmed that while seven people were injured, only three remain in guarded condition. The others are being treated for minor lacerations and smoke inhalation. The site remains a restricted area while officials finish the evidence collection process.
Plans for the cleanup of the site are being coordinated with local municipal workers. The investigation continues into the specific model and maintenance history of the cylinder. Authorities expect the area to remain closed for the remainder of the evening.
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