Kerosene stove blast in Kargil injures two labourers

Kargil, Sept 20: Two non-local labourers sustained burn injuries after a kerosene stove exploded in their rented room in Kargil on Friday midnight, officials and hospital sources confirmed.

The injured men, identified as 27-year-old Prem BK, son of Bhim Bahadur Kumar, a native of Nepal presently living in Chuglamsar Leh, and 30-year-old Sanjeev Kumar, son of Kanchha Ram, a native of Himachal Pradesh also residing at Chuglamsar Leh, were first rushed to the District Hospital in Kargil. From there, they were referred to Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Soura in Srinagar for specialized treatment.

Doctors at SKIMS reported that both patients had suffered around 25 percent burn injuries but were in a stable condition as of Friday night. Medical staff said they were being closely monitored to prevent complications, which often arise in burn cases.

According to the statement of attendants, the duo had been working as labourers in Kargil and were staying together in a rented room. The blast occurred when they were reportedly using a kerosene stove for cooking. The stove suddenly malfunctioned and exploded, causing severe burns to both.

Locals in the area were alarmed by the sound of the explosion and rushed to assist the victims before they were shifted to hospital. [KNT]