Eight workers in West Bengal suffered burn injuries after a fire broke out Wednesday following a suspected leak of LPG cylinders in a PG apartment in Bengaluru’s Bommasandra area.
The case has once more raised the need for gas safety measures in residential accommodation for migrant workers.
The fire started early in the morning when an LPG cylinder leaked inside the PG building. The leaked gas appears to have ignited, resulting in a sudden fire that spread through the kitchen and nearby rooms. Residents rushed out of the building as flames engulfed part of the building.
Emergency services, including Karnataka Fire and Emergency Services, reacted quickly to the distress calls. Firefighters put the fire out before it could spread to adjacent buildings.
Ambulances transported the injured workers to nearby hospitals, where they are now being treated, said officials. All eight victims suffered burns in varying degrees and are now in the hospital.
The injured workers are natives of West Bengal and had been working in industrial units located in the Bommasandra industrial area. Police are investigating the reason behind the incident to establish what happened and have initially identified a leaky LPG cylinder as a cause.
There are also investigations into whether the PG accommodation had the required fire safety standards. The incident has raised concerns about safety standards in hostels and paying guest facilities, particularly for migrant workers who work in Bengaluru’s manufacturing hubs.
Local residents praised the quick response of emergency personnel who were there to stop the fire from spreading further. Residents were told to keep watch on LPG cylinders and to regularly check gas regulators, hoses, and valves for leaks, said fire officials.
They urge immediate evacuation if a gas leak is detected and also advise against turning electrical appliances on or off in the event of leaking gas. They also note that ventilation and frequent maintenance are important for LPG equipment.
#WATCH | Anekal, Karnataka: More than 20 people were injured, including eight seriously, after a gas cylinder explosion at a paying guest accommodation in Bommasandra, Anekal. Most of the injured were migrant workers from West Bengal and Bihar. Fire and emergency services… pic.twitter.com/JOam6gUoZH
— ANI (@ANI) July 23, 2026
Bommasandra is one of Bengaluru’s most industrial areas, housing thousands of workers from different parts of India.
As businesses compete with migrant labour for workers’ accommodation, experts say there is an urgent need for tighter inspections of worker accommodation, better awareness of fire safety protocols, and mandatory installation of firefighting equipment.
The police have registered a case and are waiting to see forensic and fire department reports. Further action will be taken if negligence or violations of safety regulations are discovered during the investigation.
The incident serves as a reminder that regular maintenance, adherence to fire safety norms, and prompt emergency response are essential to preventing similar accidents and ensuring the safety of residents in shared accommodations.
