Navi Mumbai: Two brothers were critically injured after a gas cylinder exploded inside a fast-food shop at Pratik Society in Sector 1, Sanpada, around 6.15 am on September 15. The injured, identified as Manish Lalbahadur Yadav (27) and Arjun Lalbahadur Yadav (46), are undergoing treatment at the National Burns Centre in Airoli.

The brothers ran a fast-food business from Shop No. 1 at Pratik Society and also lived there. According to the preliminary investigation, one of the three commercial LPG cylinders kept inside the shop developed a leak during the night. Since the premises were enclosed, the leaked gas accumulated inside.

Around 6 am, one of the brothers reportedly woke up to begin work and switched on the light. The electrical spark generated while operating the switch is suspected to have ignited the accumulated gas, triggering a fire and a powerful blast.

Both brothers suffered severe burn injuries in the incident.

Senior Police Inspector Deepak Surve of Sanpada Police Station confirmed the incident, stating, “The injured brothers have been shifted to the burns centre for further treatment.”

The explosion caused extensive damage to the fast-food shop, with the shutter reportedly blown open due to the force of the blast. At least five neighbouring shops were also damaged. The impact was strong enough to be felt at Suraj Hospital across the road, while windowpanes of several nearby houses and shops were shattered.

After receiving information, fire brigade personnel and Sanpada police immediately reached the spot and began rescue operations. The injured were first taken to the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation hospital in Vashi for emergency treatment and were later shifted to the National Burns Centre in Airoli.

The blast triggered panic among residents and shopkeepers in Sector 1. The preliminary probe suggests that the accident occurred after gas leaked from an LPG cylinder, accumulated inside the closed premises, and was subsequently ignited by a spark from the electrical switch.