Massive explosion rocks Agartala apartment, several injured; bomb squad at spot

Image Credit: ANI

TRIPURA: A powerful explosion at an apartment building in Agartala’s Ramnagar Road No. 4 area on Wednesday left several people injured and caused extensive damage to the property.The explosion was reported around noon from a flat at NS Apartment near Sankat Chowmuhani. Emergency teams, including the Fire Service and Bomb Squad, were rushed to the spot after residents reported a loud blast-like sound.SDPO official Deba Prasad Roy said, "At exactly 12.00 noon, we received information that a loud explosion-like sound had been heard at a flat in NS Apartment located at Sankat Chowmuhani. We immediately rushed to the spot and found that the incident had occurred on the first floor of the apartment. "As soon as we arrived, we informed all the emergency services, including the Bomb Squad and the Fire Service. The concerned agencies have reached the location and have begun their investigation. We are hopeful that we will be able to determine very soon where the incident originated from and what exactly caused it," he added further.

The blast took place on the first floor of the building, shattering several windows and damaging parts of the apartment.

The incident also triggered panic among residents.Kushal Deb, a resident of the third floor, said he was inside his room when he heard a deafening sound. When he rushed outside, residents found that a major explosion had occurred on the first floor.A woman was among those injured after glass fragments hit the area near her eye. She was taken to GB Hospital for treatment. A young man who was present on the first floor during the explosion also suffered injuries and complained of severe body pain.Authorities have asked officials to ensure immediate medical care for all injured persons.The cause of the explosion is yet to be ascertained. While some residents suspect a gas-related accident, police and forensic teams are investigating other possibilities to identify the source of the blast.Officials said they expect the probe to establish the exact circumstances behind the explosion soon.