Team Herald
MARGAO: A fast-food and tea stall by the roadside in Rumdamol-Davorlim witnessed a cylinder blast on Thursday, damaging two parked cars and raising concerns over safety and illegal encroachments.
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Locals, alarmed by the loud explosion, rushed to the spot to control the fire and immediately alerted the fire services. One fire tender from the Margao fire station, led by Station Fire Officer (SFO) Gil Souza, was deployed to the site. According to SFO Souza, two cylinders exploded and caused significant damage to the stall but, fortunately, no injuries were reported.
The fire personnel worked for over an hour to bring the situation under control. Souza stated that the cause of the blast remains unclear, but a gas leakage is suspected. Maina-Curtorim police also visited the site to conduct an inspection.
The incident has reignited public outrage over the inaction of the Rumdamol Panchayat regarding the rising number of illegal stalls and shops encroaching on the main road. Locals voiced their frustrations, accusing the Panchayat of negligence and failing to address the issue despite repeated complaints.
One resident pointed out that the encroachments on both sides of the road have made it nearly impassable for vehicles, posing not only inconvenience but also serious safety risks. “The Panchayat is playing with the lives of people,” alleged another local, adding that the matter should be taken up at the next gram sabha meeting for immediate action.
