A fire broke out at a Pizza Hut outlet in Yamuna Vihar, Delhi, due to the explosion of an air conditioner compressor. Five people were injured in the incident, including three employees. Three fire tenders reached the spot and extinguished the fire.
New Delhi: Chaos erupted in the Yamuna Vihar area of North-East Delhi on Monday night when the compressor of an air conditioner in a Pizza Hut outlet exploded. A fire broke out following the blast, and smoke filled the area. A total of five people, including three employees of the pizza outlet, were injured in this incident. Fortunately, the fire department team arrived on time and brought the fire under control, averting a major tragedy.
Incident Caused by AC Compressor Explosion
According to local residents, a loud explosion was heard around 8:55 PM. The sound was so intense that people from surrounding shops and houses panicked and immediately came outside. After the blast, fire and smoke engulfed the entire outlet.
It was reported that the incident occurred at a Pizza Hut outlet located in C-Block, Yamuna Vihar. The building had a basement, ground floor, and two upper floors. Upon seeing the flames, locals immediately informed the police and the fire department. Meanwhile, employees and customers inside tried to exit, but some were injured in the smoke and stampede.
Major Accident Averted Due to Fire Department's Swift Action
The fire department dispatched three vehicles to the scene and initiated firefighting operations. Firefighters managed to completely control the blaze after about an hour of effort. According to officials, if the fire had not been contained in time, the entire structure could have collapsed, leading to greater loss of life and property.
Officials from the Delhi Fire Service stated that the primary cause of the fire was the sudden explosion of the compressor. Currently, an investigation is underway to determine whether the compressor had a technical fault or if the incident occurred due to a lack of maintenance. Questions are also being raised about adherence to safety standards.
Injured Received Timely Treatment
The five people injured in the incident were immediately rushed to GTB Hospital. They included three outlet employees and two customers. Doctors reported that most of the injured suffered from breathing difficulties due to smoke inhalation and minor burns. All were discharged from the hospital after treatment.
Hospital authorities informed that the injured were brought in promptly, which prevented their condition from becoming critical. Their families were also informed and called to the hospital. Meanwhile, the police have registered a case and begun investigating the incident by recording the statements of the victims.
Questions Raised on Safety Standards
Following this incident, residents of the area raised questions about whether regular safety checks are conducted in such commercial establishments. Local residents state that maintenance of air conditioners and other machinery is often neglected, increasing the risk of accidents.
The fire department has also issued a warning that all outlets and restaurants should get their equipment serviced periodically and ensure safety equipment is in proper working condition. The police have registered a case on suspicion of negligence, and further action will be taken based on the technical investigation.