3 Dead, Several Injured in Junagadh Gas Pipeline Explosion

Junagadh, Gujarat – A tragic scene unfolded in Junagadh’s Jhanjarda area on Tuesday when a ruptured underground gas pipeline erupted in a devastating explosion, claiming the lives of three individuals and leaving five others critically injured. What began as an ordinary day turned into a nightmare within seconds, as flames engulfed vehicles and nearby shops in a matter of moments.

The incident took place during an unauthorized excavation on Jhanjarda Road, where a JCB machine was digging without proper permissions or prior notice to utility agencies. According to officials, the machine accidentally struck an underground gas line, triggering a powerful explosion. The resulting fire rapidly spread, engulfing six vehicles parked nearby and causing panic in the surrounding locality.

The deceased have been identified as Rupiben Solanki, Bhaktiben Solanki, and Hareshbhai Rabdia. Their sudden loss has left families and the local community shattered.

Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of horror and chaos. “There was a loud blast, and in no time, fire spread everywhere. People were screaming for help,” said a local shopkeeper who narrowly escaped the flames.

Firefighters and police teams rushed to the scene within minutes of the explosion. The fire brigade managed to bring the blaze under control after intense efforts, while police began an investigation into how such a hazardous incident occurred in a public area without any safety precautions in place.

Sources revealed that neither PGVCL nor the gas company had been informed about the excavation work, which is a mandatory safety requirement. The gas leak and subsequent spark due to metal contact appear to have caused the deadly inferno.

The five seriously injured victims were immediately shifted to Junagadh Civil Hospital for urgent treatment. Doctors have confirmed that all are suffering from severe burn injuries and remain under critical care.

Local authorities have now launched a probe to determine who authorized the illegal excavation and whether negligence or lack of oversight contributed to the disaster.