Four cars were completely charred and a man was injured after an Indraprsatha gas pipeline caught fire in South Delhi’s Moti Bagh on Monday morning. The pipeline was reportedly perforated by civic construction contractors working at a site nearby.
The fire at the high-pressure pipeline occurred around 9-30 a.m. near Venkateshwara College in Satyaniketan. It carries gas to consumers like Maruti Udyog in Gurgaon.
“A call regarding the incident was received at the control room around 9-35 a.m. after which ten fire tenders were pushed into service. Fire was completely doused by 11 a.m.,” said a fire department official.
A police officer said: “The incident took place when some PWD workers carrying out digging work in the place accidentally punctured the pipeline. They were testing the soil in the area for construction of an elevated flyover and happened to hit the pipeline.”
Construction for the elevated corridor was being carried out by PWD appointed Hindustan Construction Company. Workers of HCC’s local contractors allegedly perforated the underground pipeline while using a drill machine. While the workers fled after the incident, the gas leaked from the pipeline and spread in a small area. It soon caught fire.
“An auto-rickshaw driver who was passing by at the time of the incident suffered superficial injuries on his face and stomach. The injured driver was identified as Ramprakash (40). He was discharged after first aid. Four cars parked nearby the spot were completely gutted in the incident. With the help of army personnel, the remaining cars were removed from the area and locals were evacuated. We have registered an FIR in this connection,” the officer added.
The incident which took place in the middle of the residential area and shopping complex was contained through swift action by army officials, fire services, policemen and GAIL. The supply of gas at both ends of the pipeline was shut immediately. This helped in bringing the situation under control, the fire official said.
A GAIL statement later said: “The incident occurred due to a third party drilling activity without prior permission taken by the agency from GAIL.”
