A routine unloading operation turned fatal in Delhi’s Okhla Phase-I on Wednesday after an oxygen cylinder exploded outside a community hall, killing a 35-year-old worker and injuring four others. The blast triggered a swift emergency response, with police, rescue teams, water tenders and ambulances rushing to the spot. The injured were taken to the AIIMS Trauma Centre, while authorities secured the site and began examining how a single cylinder came to explode during the handling of commercial oxygen cylinders.
The incident was reported at around 11:55 am from the vicinity of D-23, Okhla Phase-I. Soon after the explosion, three water tenders and a multi-casualty first responder vehicle were deployed to the location. Police and rescue personnel also reached the area and initiated relief operations.
The deceased was identified as Mohit Singh, 35, a resident of Jaipur. Singh was employed as a worker with SM Traders and had reportedly been associated with the firm for nearly three years. He suffered fatal injuries in the explosion and died at the spot.
Four other workers—Umesh, Arvind, Manoj and Pankaj—were injured and shifted to the AIIMS Trauma Centre by CATS ambulances. Authorities are verifying their identities and assessing their detailed medical condition.
Cylinder fell during unloading, triggering blast
According to the preliminary investigation, the premises at D-23 were being used as a godown by SM Traders. Workers were involved in loading and unloading commercial oxygen cylinders at the location.
Police said a vehicle carrying a fresh consignment of cylinders had arrived at the premises in the morning as part of the firm's regular supply operation. During the unloading process, one of the cylinders reportedly fell from the vehicle onto the road. The cylinder exploded immediately after the fall.
Preliminary findings suggest that only one cylinder exploded. However, officials have stressed that the exact technical reason behind the blast has not yet been established.
A detailed examination of the site, the cylinder, the vehicle and other relevant material will be conducted by technical and forensic agencies to determine what caused the explosion.
SM Traders under scrutiny
The premises had reportedly been rented by SM Traders for around one to two years. Police said the firm is registered under GST and appears to have a workforce of around three to four people at the site.
The company is reportedly involved in the trading and local distribution of industrial oxygen cylinders. Officials did not find an oxygen-filling facility at the premises during the preliminary inspection.
According to the information available so far, filled cylinders were being brought from Ghaziabad through a supplier identified as Ram Avtar before being distributed to traders and industrial establishments, particularly in the Okhla area.
Officials are verifying the ownership and source of the cylinders, the credentials of the supplier and the regulatory compliance of the business.
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