Saturday, March 29, 2025
Punjab: LPG Tanker Explosion in Hoshiarpur Leaves 2 Dead, Over 30 Injured; Highway Shut
Hoshiarpur, Punjab – August 23, 2025:
A devastating accident took place late Friday night near Mandiala village in Hoshiarpur district when an LPG tanker collided with a mini-truck, overturned, and exploded. The blast, which occurred around 10:30 p.m., triggered a massive fire that spread to nearby homes and shops.
Two people were killed, while more than 30 others sustained severe burn injuries. The fire destroyed at least 15 shops and 4 houses. Victims were rushed to Hoshiarpur Civil Hospital, where several were reported to have burn injuries ranging from 30% to 80%. Some critically injured patients were later referred to advanced hospitals for treatment.
Fire brigades from Hoshiarpur, Dasuha, and Talwara were deployed to douse the flames. Authorities closed the Hoshiarpur–Jalandhar National Highway and evacuated nearly a one-kilometer stretch as a precaution. By around 1:30 a.m., the fire was largely brought under control.
Deputy Commissioner Ashika Jain confirmed that the situation had stabilized, adding that damage assessment would be carried out once conditions normalized. Civil Surgeon Dr. Pawan Kumar said that two people were brought dead to the hospital, while 20–22 others remained under treatment. The identities of the deceased have not yet been confirmed.
Residents compared the explosion to a “bomb blast.” Gurmukh Singh, who lost six family members, said: “The tanker overturned and within seconds there was a deafening explosion. Flames spread so fast that houses and shops were engulfed almost instantly.”
Another injured villager, Gurbaksh Singh, alleged that the tanker had come to the area for illegal LPG black marketing and was struck by a mini-truck, which led to the tragedy.
The blast site is located only 500 meters from a gas plant. Authorities confirmed that the plant remained safe, as the fire did not spread to the facility—a situation that could have caused an even larger disaster. An SDRF team was also dispatched to assist with rescue operations.
Punjab Cabinet Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh reached the site late at night, terming the incident “deeply tragic.” He assured that all injured were receiving medical care and that the state government would provide necessary support to the victims and their families.
