Victims include a driver, cleaner, and a labourer; blast occurred during asphalt removal process in Vadodara district
🔥 Tragic Blast at Asphalt Plant in Vadodara
Three people lost their lives after a tanker exploded at an asphalt manufacturing unit in Mokshi village, Savli taluka, in Vadodara district, Gujarat, on Sunday evening, officials confirmed.
The incident occurred during a routine heating process intended to extract asphalt residue from the vehicle. According to the Bhadarwa police station, the tanker was being heated externally to transfer stuck asphalt into barrels, when excess internal gas pressure triggered a massive explosion.
🧾 Victims Identified
All three victims were reportedly standing near the vehicle when the explosion occurred:
- Armaan Ziaullah (26) – From Azamgarh, Uttar Pradesh
- Ashok Gurjar (21) – From Alwar, Rajasthan
- Shakib Akhtar Khan (33) – A local resident of Vadodara
They included the tanker’s driver, cleaner, and a labourer assisting in the operation.
🕵️ Cause of Explosion
“The tanker was being heated to remove stuck asphalt. During the process, gas pressure inside increased, resulting in the explosion,” a police official stated.
⚖️ Post-Incident Action
- Bodies sent for post-mortem to a government hospital in Vadodara
- Police have launched an investigation to determine safety lapses and whether standard operating procedures (SOPs) were followed during the heating process
📌 Key Points:
- Explosion occurred at a private asphalt facility
- Heating of bitumen/asphalt is a routine but hazardous process if mishandled
- Initial findings point to pressure build-up inside the tanker
📢 Authorities Urge Caution
This incident has once again raised concerns about industrial safety standards in plants handling volatile substances like asphalt. Authorities are expected to conduct a safety audit of similar plants in the region.
