A chemical reaction led to an explosion near Fire Brigade Chowmuhani in Agartala, severely injuring two people and reducing a significant portion of an apartment to rubble.
The explosion occurred at the apartment of Dr. Biswajit Sutradhar and his wife Rupa Sutradhar, located in the Fire Brigade Chowmuhani area.
According to a senior police official, Dr. Sutradhar is in stable condition, while his wife's condition remains critical.
The incident, which took place last night, caused widespread panic and speculation throughout the city. Initial rumors suggested that the blast might have been caused by either an air conditioner or a gas cylinder in the kitchen. However, forensic investigations have debunked these theories.
A senior police official clarified, “The forensic report indicates that the explosion was due to a chemical reaction between oxygen and methane. The methane concentration in the air had significantly increased due to blockages in the room’s waste disposal pipe located in the toilet or washroom.”
Compounding the situation, an oxygen cylinder present in the room ignited due to the fire, intensifying the explosion.
A professor in a condition of anonymity explained, “A high quantity of methane can lead to a fire from even a minor spark, such as from accessing an electric switch. If the fire contacts an oxygen source, the explosion's intensity will increase manifold.”
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