Hyderabad: A major fire was narrowly averted near Annojiguda on the Hyderabad–Warangal highway after a gas cylinder exploded in a moving Omni on Friday. The Omni van cylinder blast caused instantaneous flames, creating a dangerous situation.
The incident occurred when the van, traveling from Ghatkesar towards Uppal, suddenly caught fire following the Omni van cylinder blast. Alerted by the flames, all passengers inside the van jumped out immediately and ran for safety.
Petrol pump staff act swiftly to douse flames
Due to the van not being secured with a handbrake, it rolled uncontrollably into a nearby petrol station. The burning vehicle caused panic among staff, motorists, and local residents, who fled the area in fear. The cylinder blast added to the chaos as concerns about potential further explosions grew.
However, quick action by petrol pump employees prevented a disaster. Using fire extinguishers on site, they managed to douse the flames before the fire could spread further or ignite fuel storage tanks in an Omni van cylinder explosion.
There were no casualties reported, but the incident caused a brief scare in the area. Officials are expected to examine the cause of the Omni van cylinder blast and review safety protocols for vehicles carrying gas cylinders.