Onlykashmir.in News Desk
A 56-year-old man who suffered critical burn injuries in a gas cylinder fire at his residence in Srinagar’s Batmaloo area succumbed to his wounds at hospital on Sunday, a day after the blaze engulfed his home, officials said, underscoring once again the dangers posed by faulty gas cylinder handling in densely populated urban neighbourhoods.
The deceased has been identified as Ghulam Rasool, a resident of SD Colony, Batmaloo. He was among three family members injured when a gas cylinder inside their residence caught fire on Saturday, an incident that sent panic through the neighbourhood as flames spread rapidly through the household. Alongside Ghulam Rasool, his 55-year-old wife and 17-year-old daughter also sustained burn injuries and were immediately shifted to SMHS Hospital for treatment.
While his wife and daughter continue to receive treatment and remain under observation, Ghulam Rasool’s condition deteriorated over the following day, and he eventually succumbed to his injuries on Sunday, dealing a devastating blow to the family already reeling from the trauma of the fire.
Police have taken cognisance of the incident and have launched an investigation into the exact cause of the cylinder fire, a routine but essential step in such cases to rule out negligence or mechanical fault. Gas cylinder related fires have periodically been reported from various parts of Srinagar and other districts of the Valley, often linked to leaking regulators, poor ventilation, or improper storage of cylinders within kitchens and living spaces.
The tragedy in Batmaloo has reignited concerns among residents about the safety standards followed in the distribution and maintenance of domestic LPG cylinders. Fire safety officials have in the past urged households to regularly inspect their cylinders, regulators, and pipelines, and to ensure that kitchens are adequately ventilated to prevent gas accumulation in case of leaks.
Neighbours and relatives of the Rasool family have expressed grief over the loss, describing Ghulam Rasool as a well regarded figure in the SD Colony locality. Authorities have reiterated the need for public awareness campaigns on LPG safety to prevent such fatal accidents in the future, even as the investigation into Sunday’s tragedy continues.
