Introduction
The recent LPG tanker blast in Hoshiarpur district of Punjab became a warning for the whole country. The collision of LPG tanker and pickup vehicle in Mandiala village caused death and destruction in a moment.
Initially 2 people were reported dead and 20 injured, but later the death toll reached 7. Investigation also revealed that LPG theft (pilfering racket) was behind the accident.
What type of fire was this?
According to fire safety science, it was Class B Fire:
Class B Fires: Fire caused by flammable liquid and gas (Petrol, Diesel, LPG).
LPG Gas: Spreading in the air, it can cause a terrible explosion with a small spark.
👉 It would have been dangerous to extinguish this fire with water.
👉 Only DCP extinguisher, CO₂ extinguisher or Foam extinguisher were the right solutions.
⚠️ Main reasons for the accident
Collision and gas leakage – Strong collision between tanker and pickup.
LPG Pilfering Racket – Gas theft and selling in the black market.
Ignoring safety standards – The tanker did not have a gas detector or GPS tracking.
Lack of emergency preparedness – Limited capacity of fire brigade in rural areas.
Careless driving – Lack of HazMat training.
🛡️ How could the rescue have been done? (Prevention)
Safe routes and timings should be fixed for LPG tankers.
It should be mandatory to install GPS and gas leak sensor in every tanker.
It is necessary to give HazMat training to the driver.
Emergency HazMat Response Team should be present in every district.
Modern fire tenders (Foam, DCP) should be made available in rural areas.
Zero Tolerance Policy should be adopted on LPG theft and black marketing.
🧯 Safety Tips for the Public (LPG Fire Safety Tips)
Do not pour water on LPG fire.
Immediately take people to a safe distance.
Use CO₂ / DCP extinguisher.
Do not use mobile phones or electric switches.
Immediately call 101 (Fire Brigade) and 108 (Emergency Service).
🏛️ Government and administration response
₹2 lakh compensation to the families of the deceased and free treatment to the injured.
Magisterial inquiry started and 4 accused arrested.
Monitoring and relief committees formed.
Working on new guidelines for road safety and LPG transportation.
📌 Lessons for society and public
Transportation of LPG and hazardous substances should always be done with strict safety standards.
Adopting the right fire safety technique in accidents can save lives.
LPG theft and illegal sale is a threat to the entire society, immediately inform the administration about it.
Fire services have to be equipped with modern technology and equipment.
✅ Conclusion
Hoshiarpur LPG tanker blast is not just an accident, but a proof of the weakness of our security system. Even a small negligence with a dangerous gas like LPG can cause a terrible tragedy.
