Seven Injured After Gas Cylinder Explodes Inside Kataka Snack Shop

On a quiet Sunday afternoon in the bustling Japakud Market of Salepur block, Kataka district, a routine routine of opening a snack shop turned into a nightmare. Dinabandhu Sahu, the shopkeeper, arrived to unlock his stall when a hidden gas leak from a cylinder inside the shop gave way to a sudden, fiery blast.

The explosion ripped through the cramped space, sending flames licking the air and scorching everything nearby. In the chaos, Sahu, two customers who had just stepped inside, two women waiting outside, and a young girl were all caught in the blaze. All seven suffered varying degrees of burn injuries and were rushed out of the market in a flurry of panic.

Local by‑standers didn’t hesitate. They formed an impromptu rescue line, pulling the injured away from the flames and flagging down the nearest ambulance. Within minutes, the victims were on their way to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Kataka for treatment.

Meanwhile, police officers from the Salepur police station and the town’s fire brigade converged on the scene. The firefighters, armed with hoses and extinguishers, battled the inferno long enough to bring the fire under control, preventing it from spreading to neighboring stalls—a relief for the crowded market area.

Authorities have now opened an investigation to pin down exactly why the cylinder leaked and what maintenance lapses might have contributed to the tragedy. Early whispers suggest improper storage or a faulty valve, but officials are keeping the details under wraps until the probe is complete.

The incident has sent ripples of concern through Kataka’s tight‑knit community. Traders, who depend on the market’s daily footfall, fear similar accidents could happen again if safety checks are not tightened. Residents, still shaken, are calling for stricter regulations on gas‑cylinder handling in small eateries.

As the injured recover, the market slowly returns to its usual rhythm, but the memory of the blast lingers—a stark reminder that a simple oversight can ignite a serious emergency.