Gas cylinder explosion at picnic spot leaves balloon seller critically injured

Panic gripped the Sitakund picnic spot in Baripada on Sunday after a gas cylinder exploded at the crowded tourist location, where hundreds of people had gathered for a picnic outing.

According to reports, the incident occurred when a balloon seller was filling gas balloons at the site. Suddenly, the gas cylinder he was using exploded with a loud bang, sending shockwaves across the area. The force of the blast was so intense that the gas cylinder and the bicycle used by the seller were completely destroyed.

The explosion triggered chaos and fear among the visitors, with many running for safety after hearing the deafening sound. The balloon seller sustained serious injuries in the blast, particularly to his head.

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Local youths present at the spot immediately rushed to the injured man’s rescue. He was taken in a private vehicle to Baripada Medical College and Hospital, where he was provided with preliminary medical treatment. Considering the critical nature of his injuries, doctors later referred him to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for advanced care.

The critically injured balloon seller has been identified as Seru Singh, a resident of the Sunagadia area of Baripada. Meanwhile, police are investigating the circumstances leading to the explosion to ascertain whether safety norms were violated.