CNG car explodes during refuelling on NH-48 near Karjan

A CNG car exploded during refuelling at a petrol station on National Highway 48 near Karjan, Gujarat, on Tuesday afternoon. The blast completely destroyed the vehicle and damaged two others nearby, but a major tragedy was averted because the passengers had stepped out of the vehicle before the filling began.

How did the CNG explosion happen?

The incident occurred at a filling station opposite the Jindal Company plant on NH-48. CCTV footage of the explosion, which has since circulated online, captured the moments leading up to the blast.

A driver had pulled up to the pumps to top up his fuel, and a station employee had attached the dispenser nozzle to begin refuelling. Two people were standing near the front of the vehicle when the rear-mounted gas cylinder suddenly ruptured.

What was the extent of the damage?

The force of the explosion was immense, ripping the rear half of the car apart and turning the metal bodywork into shredded strips. Shrapnel and shattered glass were flung several metres across the station forecourt.

The deafening noise of the blast triggered widespread panic, sending customers and pump workers running for safety. While the car itself was ruined, two other vehicles parked close to the filling bay sustained collateral damage from the flying debris.

Why were there no casualties?

Despite the scale of the destruction, no one was killed or injured. Standard safety protocols at Indian fuel stations require all passengers and the driver to step outside the vehicle during CNG refuelling.

Because the occupants had complied with this rule, they escaped the blast unharmed. Had they remained inside the car, the consequences would have been catastrophic.

What happens next?

Local emergency services were called to the scene shortly after the afternoon blast. The Karjan fire brigade arrived to secure the area, taking precautionary measures to prevent any lingering gas from igniting or secondary chemical sparks from breaking out. Police officers also cordoned off the area to manage the crowd and restore order at the busy highway station.

Authorities are now investigating what caused the cylinder to fail. While the exact trigger remains unconfirmed, inspectors are focusing on whether a technical fault in the car's gas kit or excessive pressure from the station’s dispensing equipment caused the tank to rupture. Police have also launched an audit into the safety arrangements and certifications of the petrol pump itself to ensure all operating guidelines were being followed.