A tragic incident unfolded in the Ashapuri Colony of Bulandshahr, where a two-storey house collapsed following a massive oxygen cylinder explosion, resulting in the death of six family members and leaving three others critically injured.
Emergency personnel, along with local residents, carried out relief and rescue operations throughout the night, working to save 17 individuals trapped under the debris. The accident occurred late on Monday night, sending shockwaves through the neighborhood.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Shlok Kumar confirmed the fatalities, stating, "Six people lost their lives in the accident. How the incident occurred will be determined after an investigation. Those trapped under the debris have been rescued."
According to sources, the explosion happened while oxygen was being administered to Rukhsana, the wife of Riyazuddin, a shuttering worker. Rukhsana had recently been discharged from a private hospital after experiencing breathing issues but started having difficulties again upon returning home. During the setup of an oxygen cylinder for her, it suddenly exploded, causing the house to collapse.
The impact of the explosion buried 26 members of Riyazuddin's extended family under the rubble, including his sons, daughters, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren. Among those who lost their lives were Riyazuddin, his wife Rukhsana, their sons Siraj and Shahrukh, and their daughter Tamanna.
Rescue efforts involved fire brigade units, the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), and local volunteers. By late night, 17 individuals were rescued, while seven others sustained injuries. One remains in critical condition and is currently undergoing treatment at a nearby hospital.
The explosion's deafening noise sent panic through the neighborhood, with many residents initially mistaking it for an earthquake or a bomb blast. Rashid, a resident of the Ashapuri Colony, described the sound as "deafening, as if a bomb had been dropped." Smoke filled the area, adding to the fear and confusion.
Realizing the house had collapsed, neighbors rushed to the scene, using their hands and makeshift tools to dig through the rubble and reach those trapped underneath.
