Three die after suspected gas leak at scrap site in Jharkhand’s Dhanbad

Three people died after a suspected gas leak in Jharkhand’s Dhanbad district early Sunday, in an incident that police believe may have occurred during an attempted scrap theft.

The tragedy unfolded around 1 am in Munidih , an industrial locality in the coal town. According to police officials, a group of individuals had reportedly entered the area to collect or steal iron scrap when the accident took place.

Preliminary findings suggest that while trying to extract metal, someone may have cut through a gas cylinder that was still filled with gas , triggering a sudden and intense leak. The strong fumes quickly spread in the area, causing those present to lose consciousness.

Munidih police station in charge Manika Tiwari said the smell from the leaking gas was extremely strong and appears to have caused the victims to faint within minutes.

The affected individuals were rushed to Shaheed Nirmal Mahato Medical College and Hospital in Dhanbad. However, doctors confirmed that the situation was already critical.

Hospital superintendent Dr Dinesh Kumar Gindoria said five people were brought to the hospital , out of which two were declared dead on arrival , while one more died during treatment . The remaining two individuals are currently undergoing medical care.

Dhanbad Senior Superintendent of Police Prabhat Kumar confirmed that three deaths have been reported , and an investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances behind the incident.

Authorities are also examining whether illegal scrap scavenging in the industrial zone contributed to the fatal accident.