Eight killed in cylinder blast at Mumbai hotel; 5 students missing

Eight persons were killed when a gas cylinder exploded at a Mumbai hotel at 1.00 pm on Friday, civic authorities said. Five engineering students from Don Bosco College, Kurla, are reported to be missing.

People outside Rajawadi hospital where the victims have been taken. Pic/Sadaguru Pandit

The blast took place at Hotel City Kinara in Kurla West area, a BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) official said.

Kinara Hotel in Kurla where a gas cylinder blast claimed at least eight lives. PIC/Datta Kumbhar

The main fire brigade control room received a call at around 1.29 pm after which two fire engines, water tankers and 3 ambulances were immediately sent to the spot to douse the fire.

A blackboard confirming deaths. Pic/Sadaguru Pandit

Officials from the fire and police department confirmed that the victim's have been moved to Rajawadi Hospital for treatment.

Medical officers from Rajawadi Hospital said that eight people were pronounced dead on arrival and were moved to the post mortem centre for forensic analysis of the deceased.

Police investigate the scene of the blast at Kinara hotel. PIC/Datta Kumbhar

Five students who are reported to be missing are 20-year-old engineering students studying in third year I.T from Don Bosco College, Kurla. The students have been identified as Bryan Fernando, Taha Shaikh, Sarjeel Shaikh, Aakash Thapar, Sajid Chaudhri.

The boys (circled) from Don Bosco College, Kurla, are missing. Pic/Sadaguru Pandit

More Details awaited