Three Injured After LPG Gas Leak Triggers Major Fire in Airoli House

Three people were injured on Sunday afternoon after a major fire broke out following a suspected liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) leak at a residence in Airoli village. The blaze gutted nearly all household belongings and interiors in the affected flat.

The incident took place at Room No. 202 in Jagdish Patil Nivas, the residence of security guard Devidas Bhaurao Sonawane, 54, his wife Sunita, 50, son Rohan, 30, and daughter Mansi, 28.

According to preliminary information, the family had brought home a replacement LPG cylinder after the previous one was exhausted. While fitting the regulator, it reportedly failed to seat properly. When an attempt was made to remove and refit it, the regulator detached abruptly, causing a substantial gas leak.

Devidas placed the leaking cylinder into a tub of water and attempted to evacuate his family members from the premises. He then stepped outside the residence to notify the gas distributor. Shortly afterward, the accumulated gas ignited, triggering a major fire inside the home.

Sunita suffered burn injuries to her hands, legs, and face, while Rohan sustained burns to the front portion of his body, both hands, waist, and legs. A neighbour, Sarika Nilesh Kobale, also sustained burn injuries to her hands, legs, and neck. Mansi escaped without injury as she was on the balcony when the blaze erupted.

The fire brigade was alerted to the incident, and a firefighting team reached the site to begin operations at around 12:45 pm. Local residents and police personnel assisted in transporting the injured to the Burn Hospital in Airoli, where they are currently undergoing treatment and are reported to be in stable condition.

The fire caused extensive destruction throughout the home, destroying almost all household articles. Rabale police are conducting an investigation into the exact cause of the fire, including whether there was a technical defect in the cylinder or regulator.