Visakhapatnam, Aug 7
Two persons were killed and four others were injured in a gas cylinder blast in Andhra Pradesh's Visakhapatnam on Thursday.
The accident occurred in the Bukka Veedhi area near the Fishing Harbour. According to a preliminary investigation by the police, the blast took place in a scrap shop when some workers were engaged in welding.
The cylinder used for welding exploded, killing two people on the spot. The bodies of the deceased were blown to pieces under the impact of the explosion.
The blast sent panic in the area with people running helter-skelter. Police and fire services personnel rushed to the spot and launched rescue operations. The injured were shifted to King George Hospital, and their condition was stated to be critical.
Meanwhile, Home Minister Vangalapudi Anita expressed grief over the cylinder blast. She spoke to the Police Commissioner and officials of the Fire Services Department over the phone. She directed the officials to ensure the best possible treatment for the injured.
The Home Minister conveyed her condolences to the families of the deceased.