Surat: An explosion in a charging e-bike and a subsequent gas cylinder blast in the Limbayat area of the city early this morning caused a fire that trapped a family of five. The incident occurred at 5:35 AM at Lakshmi Park Society near Maharana Pratap Chowk, leading to the death of an 18-year-old girl and injuring her family members.

The fire started when an e-bike being charged overnight exploded, igniting a nearby gas cylinder. The blast destroyed a wall and a door and damaged nearby buildings. Firefighters arrived quickly, rescued the family of five, and controlled the blaze within an hour. The deceased, Mahima Siravi, was severely burnt, while her family members Dolaram Siravi (46), Champaben Siravi (42), Chirag Siravi (8), and Devika Siravi (14) are receiving treatment at SMIMER Hospital.

Deputy Mayor Narendra Patil visited the site and the hospital. He confirmed the e-bike was charging in the building’s parking lot when the explosion occurred. The family was sleeping upstairs when the gas cylinder burst, spreading the fire to the shop below.

Fire Officer Tandel reported the initial call at 5:30 am. The fire also broke out in the hardware store downstairs. The store was ablaze upon arrival, and five people from the upper floors were rescued. The fire was controlled within an hour, followed by cooling operations, during which a broken gas cylinder was found. DeshGujarat