Kundanahalli PG cylinder explosion: Kurnool techie battles for life

Bengaluru: Twenty-eight-year-old Venkatesh from Kurnool, a tech professional who began working recently, was eagerly expecting his first salary.

But tragedy struck on Monday in the form of an LPG cylinder blast at Seven Hills Sai Co-Living PG in Kundanahalli, which left Venkatesh critically injured. He is currently getting treated at Whitefield’s Brookfield Hospital with more than 90% burns.

The family of Venkatesh’s friend told DH that his chances of survival remain slim. However, his father, who is unaware of the severity of his condition, said he plans to take Venkatesh to Hyderabad in two days for further treatment.

“It is difficult for us here because I cannot understand Kannada, Hindi or English,” he said. Back home, Venkatesh’s mother has no clue about what is happening to her family.

His friend’s family said the three boys — Venkatesh, Aravind, who died, and their brother — were heading out for dinner when one returned to the washroom and the other two were engulfed by the fire. All three were roommates on the sixth floor.

Speaking to DH, Dr Sangeetha Pradeep, director of the hospital, said: “Two males and one female patient were brought in yesterday around 7.30 pm. Shivi Goel and Vishal Verma have sustained about 20 to 25% injuries around their neck, hands and legs. It is a long road to recovery, provided no infections are contracted.”

Two other injured are also receiving treatment in the ICU.

Verma joined an IT firm in July and works as a data entry operator, while Shivi works for an NGO.

Dr Savitha, Health Officer, East City Corporation, Greater Bengaluru Authority, told DH: “People who live on the second and third floors of the building are safe, but these three people got injured. We will inspect the PG where the incident occurred and all other PGs in the vicinity for violations, if any. We were in the hospital till 2.30 am and are constantly in touch with the doctor to monitor their conditions.”