Mumbai: A balloon vendor died when the hydrogen cylinder he was using exploded, in Bhandup on Saturday. Police have arrested his brother and their helper and charged them with negligence.
They said the incident occurred around 7.30 a.m. at Bhandup fish market. Police said the deceased, Nadir Khan, his partner Changez Khan and their helper Dharmandra Harijan were filling balloons with gas before setting out to hawk their wares, when the cylinder exploded. Part of it hit a nearby shop, damaging its roof.
DCP (Zone VII) Sachin Patil said, “Nadir bore the brunt of the explosion as he was closest; Changez sustained burns. Harijan, with the help of some shopkeepers, took them to Agrawal Hospital in Mulund, where Nadir was declared dead before admission. Changez was discharged after treatment for his injuries.”
The explosion led to some panic in the area for around half-an-hour, but things calmed down after the police reassured residents. Preliminary questioning of Changez and Harijan showed that no precautions were taken while operating the hydrogen cylinder. “Changez and Harijan have been placed under arrest and have been charged with causing death by negligence and endangering life or personal safety of others under the IPC. We are conducting further inquiries,” Mr. Patil said.