Maharashtra News: 5 Injured After Balloon Gas Cylinder Explosion in Malegaon, Vendor Detained

Malegaon town in Maharashtra’s Nashik district was rocked by a sudden explosion on Monday morning after a helium gas cylinder used for filling balloons burst in a crowded locality, leaving five people injured, including three women. Four of the injured are reported to be in critical condition, prompting concerns over safety and negligence involving hazardous materials in public spaces.

The incident occurred around 10:10 am near College Stop in the Malegaon Camp area, a busy stretch frequented by students, commuters, and local shoppers. According to police officials, the explosion took place while a balloon vendor was refilling balloons using a helium gas cylinder. The blast caused panic in the area, with locals rushing to help the injured amid chaos and shock.

Victims Shifted for Advanced Treatment

Immediately after the explosion, the injured individuals were rushed to a private hospital in Malegaon for preliminary treatment. Due to the seriousness of their injuries, four of them were later referred to hospitals in Nashik for advanced medical care. Medical officials confirmed that their condition remains critical, and they are being closely monitored.

Eyewitnesses described a loud blast followed by smoke and screams, with pieces of equipment scattered around the site. “It happened within seconds. One moment the vendor was filling balloons, and the next there was a massive sound,” said a local shopkeeper present near the spot.

Balloon Vendor Taken Into Custody

Police have taken the balloon seller, identified as Mohammed Sadiq Makbool Ahmed (33), a resident of Malegaon, into custody for questioning. Officials stated that preliminary findings point towards negligence in handling and storing the gas cylinder, which ultimately led to the explosion.

A senior police official confirmed that a case has been registered against the accused at the Malegaon Camp Police Station under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Explosives Act.

The sections invoked include:

Section 125 – Act endangering human life or personal safety

Section 287 – Negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter

Section 288 – Negligent conduct with respect to explosive substances

Police officials are also investigating whether the gas cylinder was authorised, properly maintained, and legally obtained.

Safety Concerns Raised in Crowded Areas

The incident has once again raised serious concerns about the use of gas cylinders and flammable materials in public places without adequate safety measures. Balloon sellers are commonly seen near schools, markets, and traffic junctions, often operating without protective equipment or regulatory oversight.

Local residents have demanded stricter enforcement of safety norms and routine checks on vendors using gas cylinders. “This could have been avoided. These vendors work in crowded areas without any safety supervision,” said a resident from the Camp area.

Authorities Urge Caution

Authorities have urged citizens to remain alert and immediately report unsafe activities involving gas cylinders or explosive materials in public spaces. Police officials stated that further action will be taken based on the investigation findings and technical examination of the cylinder involved in the blast.

Meanwhile, the incident has cast a shadow over the locality, with residents hoping for speedy recovery of the injured and stricter regulations to prevent such accidents in the future.