KARJAN, India — Panic gripped commuters and local residents along National Highway 48 near Karjan after a car suddenly exploded while filling up at a Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) station, leaving two men injured and sending bystanders scattering for safety.
The incident occurred during peak hours at a busy CNG filling station situated along the busy NH-48 corridor near Karjan, Vadodara district. According to witnesses, a passenger sedan pulled up to the dispenser bay to replenish its fuel tank.
As the station attendant connected the nozzle and gas pressure began building within the vehicle's installed CNG cylinder, a massive explosion ruptured the car's rear section. The force of the blast tore through the vehicle’s bodywork, shattering windows, blowing off the trunk lid, and sending metal shrapnel across the station forecourt.
The sudden, thunderous blast generated a shockwave that rattled adjacent commercial establishments and caused immediate chaos among motorists queued along the highway.
Two men positioned near the vehicle at the time of the blast sustained burn and shrapnel injuries. CNG station staff immediately shut off emergency fuel valves to prevent a secondary fire or larger station-wide detonation before tending to the victims.
Local emergency services arrived shortly after receiving urgent distress calls. Paramedics stabilized the injured men on site before transporting them to a nearby hospital for specialized burn treatment and wound care. Both victims are reported to be in stable condition.
Fire tenders inspected the wreckage and cooled the surrounding area to eliminate residual gas risks. Police officers from the local Karjan police station quickly cordoned off the filling station to conduct a technical investigation alongside safety inspectors.
Preliminary findings point toward a potential structural failure or rupture in the vehicle’s aftermarket CNG cylinder, or a malfunctioning pressure release valve. Authorities are verifying whether the CNG kit installed in the car met certified safety standards and had undergone mandatory hydro-testing.
Local authorities have reiterated warnings to vehicle owners regarding regular compliance checks for CNG cylinders, emphasizing the strict safety protocols required during high-pressure refueling operations.
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