Title: Gas Cylinder Blast Triggers Fire at School Canteen in Tamil Nadu
A devastating fire accident broke out at the Ayan Rajapatti Primary School near Ettaiyapuram in Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi district on Monday morning, leaving no one injured but causing widespread panic among students and staff. According to reports, a cooking gas cylinder unexpectedly burst in the school canteen while breakfast preparations were underway. The blast triggered a massive fire that engulfed the canteen, prompting the authorities to rush to the scene to contain the situation.
The incident occurred at around 8:30 am, when students and teachers were preparing for the day’s classes. The canteen was filled with students and staff, and the sudden explosion sent shockwaves throughout the school. Witnesses described the scene as chaotic, with people running for their lives as flames engulfed the canteen.
“It was like a horror movie,” said R. Saravana Kumar, a teacher at the school. “I was in my classroom when I heard a loud explosion. I rushed to the canteen and saw smoke billowing out. I immediately alerted my students and we evacuated the school premises quickly.”
The fire, which was classified as a level 2 blaze, was quickly brought under control by the local fire and safety teams, who arrived at the scene within minutes of the incident. The fire department deployed two fire tenders to extinguish the flames, and a team of firefighters worked tirelessly to douse the blaze.
“It was a challenging situation, but we were able to contain the fire quickly,” said S. Ramesh, the Thoothukudi district fire officer. “We evacuated the students and staff to a safe distance and fought the fire using foam and water. Thankfully, no one was injured in the incident.”
The cause of the explosion is still under investigation, but officials suspect that the gas cylinder may have been improperly stored or maintained. The school administration has launched an inquiry into the incident and has promised to take necessary steps to prevent such incidents in the future.
The incident has sent shockwaves throughout the school community, with parents and students expressing relief that no one was injured. The school has been closed for the day, and the administration has promised to provide counseling to students and staff who may have been affected by the incident.
“This is a wake-up call for all of us,” said S. Jayalakshmi, the school’s headmistress. “We will take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and security of our students and staff. We are grateful that no one was injured in the incident, but we will not take anything for granted.”
The incident highlights the importance of proper safety measures and maintenance in public places, particularly in schools where children’s lives are at stake. It is the responsibility of school authorities to ensure that all safety protocols are in place and that students and staff are aware of the risks and precautions to take.
As the investigation into the incident continues, the school community is coming together to support each other and rebuild. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of safety awareness and the need for proper safety measures in public places.
News Source:
https://newskarnataka.com/s/gfth5p
