Archive · 19 Aug 2026
Delhi CNG Blast Raises Questions Over Cylinder Testing Oversight
A truck was being filled with CNG when its gas cylinder exploded.
The accident happened at a CNG station in Tikri Kalan in Delhi.
Six people were nearby.
Three people died, and three others were badly hurt.
Police have not yet confirmed what caused the explosion.
Auto expert Anil Chhikara said some cylinders may not be tested properly.
He also said dirt on a cylinder can make it hotter and increase pressure.
He called for better checks of testing stations and certificates.
A truck’s CNG cylinder exploded during refilling at a station in Tikri Kalan, Outer Delhi.
Three people died, and three others were critically injured after the blast.
Police said six people were standing near the truck when the explosion occurred.
Auto expert Anil Chhikara alleged that cylinders are not tested every three years and that fake certificates are issued.
Police said the exact cause of the explosion was not immediately known, while experts called for stronger monitoring and government oversight.
- Who
- Six people near the truck were affected; three died and three were critically injured. Auto expert Anil Chhikara called for stronger oversight.
- What
- A truck’s CNG cylinder exploded during refilling at a CNG station.
- When
- Wednesday afternoon, August 19.
- Where
- A CNG station in Tikri Kalan, Outer Delhi.
- Why
- The exact cause was not immediately known. Chhikara attributed possible risk to inadequate cylinder testing, fake certification and deposits on cylinders, but this was not confirmed by police.
Calls for Stronger Oversight
Cause Still Under Investigation
Cylinder certification
Calls for Stronger Oversight
Auto expert Anil Chhikara alleged that some CNG cylinders are not tested every three years and that fake certificates are issued.
Cause Still Under Investigation
Police have not confirmed that certification failures caused the blast and said the exact cause was not immediately known.
Testing-station monitoring
Calls for Stronger Oversight
Chhikara called for robust monitoring of CNG stations issuing certificates and greater government oversight.
Cause Still Under Investigation
The report states that the Delhi government currently does not oversee CNG testing stations, without reporting an official response defending the existing system.
Possible mechanical cause
Calls for Stronger Oversight
Chhikara said mud and other deposits can reduce heat conductivity, raise cylinder temperature above 75 degrees and increase pressure beyond 350 bars, potentially causing a blast.
Cause Still Under Investigation
Police have not established this explanation as the cause of the explosion.
- Deaths
- Three people died: Manish at the scene, and Sunny and Brahjeet during treatment.
- Injuries
- Three people were critically injured.
- People nearby
- Police said six people were standing near the truck.
- Location
- Tikri Kalan, Outer Delhi.
- Expert concern
- Anil Chhikara said cylinders are not being tested every three years and that some stations issue certificates without physical checks.
- Government oversight
- The Delhi government does not currently oversee CNG testing stations, according to the report.
- Cause status
- Delhi Police said the exact cause of the explosion was not immediately known.