Srinagar, April 30: Two persons were killed and one injured in a steam boiler explosion in Jammu and Kashmir’s Shopian district, officials said on Thursday.
Officials said the blast occurred at a cold storage unit in the fruit mandi area of Aglar in south Kashmir’s Shopian district late Wednesday evening.
An engineer and a worker were killed, while another person was injured during repair work when a boiler exploded at the Zum Zum cold store.
The injured were initially shifted to District Hospital Shopian, where one of them succumbed to injuries, while the other two were referred to Srinagar for advanced treatment.
Officials said another injured person later died at a Srinagar hospital, taking the toll to two. One person continues to remain under treatment.
The deceased have been identified as Saurabh Singh and Dileep Kumar, while the injured has been identified as Ram Kumar. All three are residents of Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh.
Officials said the victims were engaged in repair work at the cold storage facility when the explosion took place.
A boiler in such units is a steam-generating system used for heating, pressure control, or maintenance operations. It operates under high pressure and temperature, and any malfunction during repair or operation can lead to explosions.
The cause of the blast is being ascertained. More details are awaited.
Notably, cold storage facilities are used to preserve perishable goods such as fruits and vegetables by slowing spoilage and extending shelf life.
In south Kashmir, a number of such units have been established to maintain a steady supply of apples to national markets. The facilities help prevent market glut during peak harvest season and allow growers to sell produce when supply is lower, ensuring better returns.
