Mandi, June 15: A powerful gas cylinder explosion in a store room on the second floor of a house in Mandi’s Old Mandi Ward caused significant damage on Sunday, with flames shooting up to a 30-foot-high mango tree nearby. The fire, which broke out suddenly, resulted in losses estimated at around ₹5 lakh. Local residents and youth acted swiftly to control the blaze before the fire brigade arrived, preventing a much larger disaster.
The incident occurred around 12:15 p.m. at the residence of Sohan Singh Saklani. The fire started in a store room on the second floor and quickly intensified, causing a gas cylinder stored there to explode. The blast was so forceful that flames leapt high enough to scorch a tall mango tree behind the house.
Fortunately, being a Sunday, most residents were at home. Hearing the loud explosion, many rushed out and worked together to douse the flames. Their quick action played a critical role in containing the fire and minimizing the damage.
Mandi Mayor Virender Bhatt Sharma and local councillor also arrived at the scene to oversee relief and rescue efforts. Mayor Sharma confirmed that local residents had brought the fire under control by the time the fire department reached the spot, averting a potential tragedy.
The fire destroyed furniture, utensils, tiles, and other valuables stored in the room. Sohan Singh Saklani explained that due to ongoing tile work in the house, much of the household belongings had been temporarily stored in the affected room.
Interestingly, Saklani noted that there was no electrical connection in the store room where the incident occurred, raising questions about the fire’s cause. A team from the Sadar Police Station arrived promptly and has begun an investigation to determine the exact reason behind the fire.
