Hoshiarpur Tragedy: Seven Killed, 15 Injured After LPG Tanker Explosion on Jalandhar Road

Hoshiarpur: In a devastating incident late Saturday night, seven people lost their lives and 15 others sustained burn injuries after an LPG tanker collided with a pickup vehicle near Mandiala Adda on the Hoshiarpur-Jalandhar road, triggering a massive explosion.

Police identified the deceased as Sukhjeet Singh (driver), Balwant Rai, Dharmender Verma, Manjit Singh, Vijay, Jaswinder Kaur, and Aradhna Verma. Civil Surgeon Dr. Pawan Kumar confirmed that 28-year-old Dharmender Verma, who suffered severe burns, succumbed to his injuries while being shifted to Amritsar. “Verma, who had sustained severe burn injuries, was referred to the Government Medical College, Amritsar, but he succumbed on the way,” Dr. Kumar said.

Among the injured are Balwant Singh (55), Harbans Lal (60), Amarjeet Kaur (50), Sukhjeet Kaur, Jyoti, Suman, Gurmukh Singh, Harpreet Kaur, Kusuma, Bhagwan Das, Lally Verma, Sita, Ajay, Sanjay, Raghav, and Pooja. Some victims have already been discharged after treatment.

Superintendent of Police (Investigation) Mukesh Kumar confirmed the casualties, while SHO Maninder Singh of Bullowal Police Station said an FIR has been registered under Sections 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 324(4) (mischief causing damage to property) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced financial aid of ₹2 lakh each to the families of the deceased and assured free medical treatment for the injured. Expressing sorrow, Punjab Governor and Chandigarh Administrator Gulab Chand Kataria said, “I am deeply pained to learn about the tragedy that has taken away innocent lives and caused injuries to many. My heartfelt condolences go out to the families who have lost their loved ones in this devastating mishap.”

Tension flared in Mandiala and adjoining villages as residents staged a protest, blocking traffic for more than three hours. They demanded higher compensation and strict action against those responsible. The dharna was lifted after SDM Gursimranjeet Kaur assured that compensation would be granted and accountability fixed.

Senior leaders including Cabinet Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh, MLA Bram Shanker Jimpa, MP Raj Kumar Chabbewal, and Deputy Commissioner Aashika Jain visited the site to express solidarity. Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, along with MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, demanded a thorough probe and enhanced compensation. Warring said, “Families who lost loved ones should receive at least ₹1 crore in relief, along with full compensation for damaged houses and shops.”

Locals recounted the horror of the blast. Gurmukh Singh (56), a resident of Mandiala, said, “I was taking a bath when I heard a blast. Suddenly, flames surrounded us. My wife, daughter, and daughter-in-law sustained burn injuries. Somehow, I managed to save my grandson by wrapping him in a blanket.”