Eyewitnesses said a bulldozer machine struck an underground piped natural gas (PNG) pipeline while digging, damaging it and triggering a gas leak that led to the explosion.Some locals said they heard the blast nearly three kilometres away. The powerful shockwaves damaged nearby structures, shattered windowpanes and damaged several vehicles.Muzaffarpur District Magistrate Kumar Gaurav said, "The explosion caused by a PNG pipeline leak claimed one life and left six others injured." "All the injured have been admitted to the nearest government hospital.
An inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the cause of the incident and fix responsibility," he said.The blast also triggered a fire in a nearby house, prompting an immediate response from the fire brigade, police and district administration teams. Rescue teams brought the blaze under control.
Police and senior district administration officials rushed to the spot after receiving information from residents. Authorities evacuated the affected area as a precautionary measure.Meanwhile, the gas company's technical team began efforts to stop the leak by shutting the main valve of the pipeline.
The administration also initiated relief and rescue operations to ensure the safety of residents in the affected area.- EndsWith agency inputs.