MUZAFFARPUR, Bihar — One person was killed and six others were injured Monday when an underground Piped Natural Gas pipeline ruptured and exploded during drain construction work in Muzaffarpur's Gobarsahi area, officials said.
The blast occurred around midday when a JCB machine excavating for a drain project struck the gas line, causing a leak that ignited. The explosion was heard up to five kilometres away and damaged a four-storey building and approximately 50 houses in the vicinity, shattering windowpanes and reducing some structures near the site to rubble.
The deceased has been identified as Srinivas Singh, a coaching centre owner who was returning on his scooter after depositing his child's school fees. Six others were injured, including two motorcycle riders with burn injuries. One injured person was in critical condition with approximately 60% burns and was referred to Patna for advanced treatment.
District Magistrate Kumar Gaurav stated that one person had died and six others had been injured, adding that compensation would be provided to the family of the deceased under disaster relief provisions. Senior Superintendent of Police Kantesh Kumar Mishra said one injured person was critical with around 60% burns and that a case would be registered against the contractor and officials after proper investigation.
Rescue operations involving the fire brigade, police, and the State Disaster Response Force were underway at the site. Officials were coordinating with Indian Oil's team of experts given the technical nature of the gas pipeline. Local police were deployed for traffic management and crowd control.
The incident highlights the risks when excavation work occurs near critical utility infrastructure. Authorities said a detailed inquiry would establish how the incident occurred and action would be taken against those found responsible.
