MAPUSA: Fear gripped the residents of the Dangui Colony in Mapusa when a high intensity blast rocked the locality shattering the peace and quiet in wee hours of dawn on Sunday.
It was later learnt that the massive explosion had ripped through the ground floor of a restaurant owned by Ramkrishna and Pramila Mayekar. The shockwave of the blast was so powerful that it damaged four vehicles besides shattering the windows and mirrors of many flats above the restaurant. The Mandrekar family reported major losses after their apartment developed cracks.
The Fire and Emergency Services swiftly responded to the distressed call but were yet to ascertain the cause of the blast.
“The incident occurred at around 5.30 am on Sunday and has been captured on camera,” said an official from the Fire Services.
Though it was initially suspected to be a cylinder blast but the two cylinders in the house were intact and so were the wires and switch board, said an official.
With a gas cylinder blast ruled out, the owners suspected foul play and demanded thorough probe in the case as they alleged that many people here were opposed to them setting up a bar and restaurant in a residential area.
The Fire services doused off the flames and Mapusa police are conducting investigations into the case.