A terrifying incident unfolded in Punjab’s Patiala as a pressure cooker exploded within a family’s kitchen, narrowly avoiding tragedy as five members, including a child, were present during the harrowing event. While the cause of the explosion remains under investigation, the family miraculously emerged unscathed from the ordeal.
Captured on a 30-second CCTV footage, the scene initially depicted a normal lunchtime setting within the two-storey household, with family members gathered in the kitchen awaiting the preparation of ‘saag’ in the pressure cooker. Two women were engaged in kitchen chores while a child played nearby, and a man sat at the dinner table, creating a seemingly tranquil atmosphere. However, the tranquility was shattered within moments.
The video swiftly transforms as the pressure cooker’s lid forcefully detaches, hurtling towards the ceiling and causing substantial damage to the kitchen’s infrastructure. The resulting chaos fills the room with thick smoke, prompting the family to seek cover amidst the commotion. Part of the ceiling and furniture collapse, and the two women, visibly startled, rush out as a kitchen chimney falls perilously close to them.
While the exact cause behind the explosion remains undisclosed, initial assessments suggest a potential blockage within the pressure cooker, hindering the escape of steam and resulting in increased pressure and subsequent detonation.
Instances of pressure cookers exploding due to blockages, causing hazardous situations, have been documented previously. In a tragic incident in Jaipur this August, a 47-year-old woman lost her life due to a similar cooker explosion. The fragmented utensil caused severe burns to the victim as parts adhered to her body and face. Despite being rushed to a nearby hospital by neighbors, she succumbed to her injuries.
Pressure cooker safety precautions, including ensuring proper steam release, stand critical to averting such calamitous occurrences. Authorities continue to investigate the Patiala incident, underscoring the importance of following safety guidelines while using kitchen appliances to prevent potential hazards.
The recent episode serves as a stark reminder of the dangers associated with pressure cookers and the imperative need for vigilant usage to safeguard against unforeseen accidents.
Sources By Agencies
