Agartala, June 276: The Tripura government has ordered a high-level probe after a mysterious explosion at a flat in Ramnagar area of Agartala claimed the life of a youth.

A sense of panic still exists among the local people while a thorough probe is underway. According to preliminary findings, the incident had occurred due to leakage of piped natural gas (PNG) when the youth reportedly attempted to light an incense stick on the fateful day. 

Tripura Chief Minister Dr. Manik Saha on Friday expressed deep grief over the death of Shubhrajit Chowdhury (33), who succumbed to severe burn injuries sustained in the explosion on Thursday. 

The Chief Minister, who visited the place of occurrence on Friday, said the victim was critically injured in the incident and passed away while undergoing treatment. Conveying his condolences, Dr. Saha described the untimely death as deeply unfortunate. 

After being briefed by the concerned officials, he said preliminary findings suggest that the accident may have been caused by a fault in the gas pipeline. 

He, however, said the exact cause of the incident would be established only after a thorough and impartial investigation. 

The explosion affected several flats around the site and triggered a sense of panic among the local people. 

The Government of Tripura has ordered a high-level inquiry under the stewardship of the Secretary, Urban Development Department. The high power probe committee has been asked to submit its findings within a stipulated period of seven days. 

Apart from the Urban Development Department Secretary, Director of Fire and Emergency Services Department, Commissioner Agartala Municipal Corporation, Superintendent of Police West Tripura and Chief Engineer PWD (Building) had also been appointed members of the committee.     

The high-powered committee has been asked to submit its findings within seven days. 

After the massive explosion at ​​Ramnagar Road No. 4 area, Agartala, Mayor and local MLA Dipak Majumder rushed to the spot and personally supervised the rescue operation, and ordered that the injured be given proper medical treatment. 

He said, the police and forensic teams had already started an investigation to find out the real cause of the incident.