Reported by Mrinal Banik
Agartala: A major explosion inside a flat at a residential apartment complex in Agartala on Thursday left one person critically injured and damaged multiple neighbouring flats, prompting authorities to launch an investigation into the cause of the incident.
The blast occurred at NS Apartment in the Ramnagar area of the city during the day, creating panic among occupants and people living in the vicinity.
The flat where the explosion took place was reportedly being used as an office space by a private organisation.
According to residents, the impact of the explosion was felt across several parts of the building. Doors and window panes of a number of adjoining flats were damaged, while debris and shattered glass were scattered across sections of the apartment complex.
Locals said at least 12 to 13 flats suffered varying degrees of damage due to the force of the blast. Several occupants sustained minor injuries after being struck by broken glass and other materials dislodged during the incident.
The person who was inside the affected flat at the time of the explosion suffered severe burn injuries.
Fire and Emergency Services personnel rescued him from the premises and shifted him to Govind Ballabh Pant Hospital for treatment.
Residents said the explosion was powerful enough to shake the building and caused alarm among families living in the apartment complex.
Police, fire service personnel, and administrative officials reached the spot soon after receiving information about the incident and secured the area.
Preliminary assessments were conducted, although authorities said the exact cause of the explosion had not yet been determined.
Officials have not ruled out any possibility and said a detailed technical examination would be carried out before arriving at a conclusion.
Agartala Mayor and local MLA Dipak Majumder visited the site and reviewed the situation. Speaking to reporters, he said the cause of the blast remained unclear and that a comprehensive inquiry would be conducted.
“The impact of the explosion was significant, and several adjacent flats were affected. The matter will be investigated thoroughly. The safety and security of the people remain our priority,” Majumder said.
He also indicated that issues relating to safety standards and emergency preparedness in apartment buildings would be examined during the inquiry.
Referring to a similar incident reported in the city in the past, Majumder said authorities would assess whether additional safeguards were required in residential and commercial structures.
Meanwhile, residents demanded a detailed investigation and urged authorities to identify the reason behind the explosion to prevent a recurrence of similar incidents.
Officials said forensic and technical experts may be engaged to determine the source of the blast and assess the structural impact on the building.
The investigation is underway, and there has been no immediate official confirmation regarding the cause of the explosion.