A tragic incident occurred in Magarkhedi village in Madhya Pradesh’s Khargone district on Sunday evening. A powerful explosion ripped through a crude oil tanker during welding operations at a local workshop, claiming the life of a shepherd and critically injuring a tanker driver and a welding mechanic.
The explosion occurred while welding work was being done on the rear section of the tanker. Residual vapours ignited, leading to the massive blast. The shepherd, who was nearby grazing goats, was caught in the blast and succumbed to injuries.
The driver and mechanic, who were involved in the repair work, suffered severe burns and trauma. They have been rushed to a hospital for urgent medical care, with both reported to be in critical condition. The blast was so intense that it shattered windowpanes of a nearby school and residential house.
Preliminary investigations suggest that proper safety protocols for working on fuel tankers may not have been fully followed. The district authorities have launched a detailed probe into the incident. Police have registered a case and are looking into the workshop owner and safety lapses.
Experts note that tanker repair workshops often neglect hazardous area classifications, leading to avoidable tragedies. This incident underscores the ongoing risks associated with informal repair units handling petroleum-laden vehicles in rural and semi-urban Madhya Pradesh. The local administration has pledged full support to the victims’ families.
