AC Blast in Vadodara Insurance Office: 6 Injured, One in ICU, Tea Left Unattended, Damage to Furniture
A blast in an air conditioner at the Shriram Insurance Company office near the new Collector Office at Malhar Point in Vadodara created panic around 11 AM. The explosion injured six people, who were subsequently taken to Sterling Hospital. Upon learning of the incident, local police rushed to the scene and began their investigation. Of the six injured, five are currently in stable condition, while one remains in the ICU in critical condition.
Upon receiving information about the blast, ACP and DCP, along with other police personnel, arrived at the site. The explosion caused glass shards from the office to scatter, and various items were thrown about. Following this, the Talati and Fire Officer also reached the scene.
List of Injured
- Vikas Solanki
- Gautam Solanki
- Vipul Chauhan
- Anchit Parikh
- Ushar Desai
- Punita Antani
Morning Tea Left Unattended
In the Shriram General Insurance office, more than six people usually work, but due to the rain, some employees were delayed and thus avoided the accident. A cup of tea ordered by an employee was left unattended.
A fire extinguisher was also installed. Damage was observed to the sofas, tube lights, and fans in the office.
Fire Erupts in 25×25 Foot Office on Third Floor: Fire Officer
Fire Officer Amit Chaudhary told Divya Bhaskar that a fire broke out on the third floor. The Shriram Insurance office measures 25×25 feet. Six employees were working at the time. The site has been inspected, and the police are present as well.
It is a matter of investigation to determine what happened and how the blast occurred. Initially, it appears that the AC wiring melted. All the injured have been admitted to Sterling Hospital. I will visit them to understand the actual situation.
The full report will be presented by the police department. The cause of the blast will be determined after the FSL investigation.
Two in Critical Condition, Investigation Underway: PI Patel
PI R. N. Patel, in charge of the Akota Police Station, stated that a full investigation is currently ongoing. All six injured individuals are being treated at a nearby private hospital, with two in critical condition. The police have initiated a thorough investigation into the incident.
Preventing AC Blasts: Essential Tips
There are several reasons why AC units may blast. A major cause is the lack of timely servicing. Therefore, it is crucial to service your AC after every 600 hours of use. This means if you run your AC for 10 hours a day, ensure to service it after two months.
Running an AC continuously for several hours can cause it to overheat. Hence, it should be turned off periodically to allow its components to cool down. After running the AC for four hours straight, give it at least a half-hour break.
Install the AC’s outdoor unit in a location where it is not exposed to direct sunlight, as sunlight can heat the outdoor unit. If this is not possible, you can install a shade over the outdoor unit.
Additionally, try to operate the AC on a normal mode as much as possible. This reduces the load on the AC compressor.
Install high-quality wiring, plugs, sockets, and MCB for your AC. The MCB (Miniature Circuit Breaker) is designed to cut off the house’s electricity immediately in case of a minor short circuit.
Ensure that the wiring in the AC’s indoor unit is not loose. Tighten it as loose wiring during service or installation increases the risk of sparking in the AC, which can lead to a fire.
What to Do If Your AC Catches Fire
AC fires can occur due to overheating and are extremely dangerous compared to other fire incidents as they can explode like a bomb. It is crucial to take special precautions when dealing with such fires.
- Disconnect the Power: The first step is to disconnect the power connection. This will prevent other electrical devices from getting caught in the fire and reduce the risk of the fire spreading throughout the house. Do not use water to extinguish the fire until the power connection is disconnected.
- Remove Gas Cylinders: If there are gas cylinders in the house, move them away from the fire or completely out of the house. If a cylinder comes into contact with the fire, it can explode.
- Call Emergency Services: If a fire breaks out in your home or apartment, call 101 immediately to alert the fire brigade. You can also call the emergency number 112. Provide your exact address in a clear and calm voice. If there is a fire alarm in the building, activate it to alert others about the fire.
