‘It was a fireball’: Firemen, cops among 14 hurt in cylinder blast

{ NORTHWEST DELHI } EXPLOSION DURING FIREFIGHTING OP

- Jignasa Sinha

Eyewitnesses said that the fire spread up to the second floor. When the responders entered the building, the burst sent them sprawling, damaging glass windows and doors, and causing at least three firefighters 30% burn injuries. Residents said that the situation turned chaotic as officers who had turned up to help needed medical attention.

Anish Sharma, who lives inan adjacent building and was among the responders, told HT, “Twas having tea when I heard the screams. I was scared that many people would be stuck and was helping throw water. When the fire brigade came, I was the holding the pipe. Nobody expected the blast. It was like a fireball. Iran towards my house. My wife wrapped me ina blanket and I was saved. I saw a constable running outside with his uniform and face on fire.”