Cylinder Blast in Chinese Food Tempo Near Airoli Station Raises Safety Concerns
Navi Mumbai, 10th June 2025 : A cylinder explosion in a tempo operating as a Chinese food stall near Airoli railway station (east) on the Thane-Belapur Road has once again highlighted serious violations of safety norms by unauthorized food vendors. The incident occurred around 8:30 pm on Tuesday, causing a massive fire, though no injuries or fatalities were reported.
The tempo, illegally parked and operating as a makeshift hotel, caught fire after a domestic LPG cylinder used for cooking exploded. The vehicle was completely gutted in the blaze. Fire brigade, local police, and traffic personnel rushed to the spot and managed to douse the flames swiftly, preventing further damage.
According to Senior Police Inspector Sunil Waghmare of Rabale Police Station, “We have detained a few individuals in connection with the blast, and a case will be registered against the person responsible.”
Despite repeated crackdowns by police, unauthorized street food stalls continue to flourish in the area—particularly after 7:00 pm, when civic monitoring reportedly reduces. These vendors often use domestic cylinders illegally for cooking, posing significant fire hazards. The area, frequented by heavy vehicles at night, becomes particularly vulnerable due to these unauthorized setups.
Local residents have also raised concerns about rising late-night disturbances, including fights, verbal abuse, and traffic congestion caused by such stalls. The lack of consistent enforcement by the Panvel Municipal Corporation (PMC) after hours has enabled these businesses to thrive unchecked.
The incident has sparked fresh calls for stringent action and round-the-clock monitoring to curb illegal food businesses and enforce public safety regulations. Authorities are expected to take further action following the investigation.
