Daijiworld Media Network - Jaipur

Jaipur, Nov 4: A festive mood turned tragic in Hardhani village near Bavdi, Jodhpur, on Tuesday when two gas cylinders exploded in quick succession during wedding preparations, injuring 11 people — two of them critically.

According to ASI Dharmendra, who heads the Bavdi police outpost, the explosions occurred at the home of farmer Veeram Ram, where arrangements were being made for his children Mahendra and Gogi’s weddings, scheduled for November 15 and 16.

“The cylinders exploded while wedding preparations were underway. The injured were immediately rushed to hospitals in Jodhpur,” Dharmendra said.

Nine victims were admitted to Mathuradas Mathur Hospital (MDM), two to Mahatma Gandhi Hospital (MGH), and three others are receiving care at a private hospital in Bavdi.

MDM Hospital Superintendent Dr. Vikas Rajpurohit said most injuries were caused by flying metal fragments. “Two patients are in critical condition, while the rest are stable,” he confirmed.

Eyewitness Surta Ram recounted that the first explosion injured several people, and moments later, a second blast shook the house, injuring more.

Preliminary investigations suggest that welding work being carried out near the gas cylinders may have triggered the first explosion. “There was a loud bang, and thick smoke filled the air,” one injured person told police.

The twin blasts scattered metal shards across the courtyard, causing burn injuries and impact wounds to those nearby.

Local authorities have launched a probe into the cause of the explosions and urged residents to observe strict safety measures while handling gas cylinders and welding equipment, especially during festive preparations.