Silvassa godown blast kills four, Nitrogen tank rupture suspected

At least four people were killed and two others injured in a powerful explosion at a godown in Silvassa, in the Union Territory of Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, on Saturday morning, officials said.

The incident occurred around 9 am at a facility operated by M/s S K Enterprise while gas suspected to be nitrogen was being refilled. According to an official statement, six persons sustained injuries , of whom four later succumbed. The remaining two are currently undergoing treatment at Namo Hospital in Silvassa .

Preliminary findings from the Forensic Science Laboratory indicate that the explosion was a “pressure blast” caused by the rupture of a stainless-steel tank , believed to have contained nitrogen gas. Such blasts typically occur when internal pressure exceeds the tank’s capacity , leading to a sudden and violent rupture.

Emergency response teams, including Fire and Emergency Services, police, and 108 ambulance services , were immediately deployed to the site. As a precautionary measure, nearby residents were evacuated to safer locations. Authorities later confirmed that the situation was brought under control .

The administration has constituted an inquiry committee to investigate the incident and determine accountability. Additionally, a separate inspection drive of industrial units handling hazardous gases has been launched, particularly targeting those operating without mandatory permissions.

Officials said further action would follow based on the findings, even as industrial safety compliance in the region comes under renewed scrutiny.