Manipur: LPG cylinder explosions destroy five shops in Chandel's Tampi junction

A major fire gutted five commercial establishments at Tampi junction under Chakpikarong subdivision in Manipur's Chandel district on Monday evening, July 27, after LPG cylinders stored inside one of the shops exploded, officials and local sources said.

The blaze reportedly broke out in a row of shops that formed part of a residential property belonging to ST Chunggam of Tampi village.

According to local sources, the fire intensified rapidly after multiple LPG cylinders inside one of the shops exploded in quick succession. The explosions caused the flames to spread swiftly to adjoining establishments, making firefighting efforts difficult and reducing all five shops to ashes.

Emergency services were immediately alerted. Personnel from Chakpikarong Police Station, 43 Assam Rifles and the nearest fire station at Sugnu rushed to the scene. However, the Sugnu Fire Station, located around 12 km from Chakpikarong headquarters, could not reach the spot in time.

By the time firefighters arrived, local residents, police personnel and Assam Rifles troops under the supervision of Assistant Commandant Ravinder Kumar had managed to bring the blaze under control, although extensive property damage could not be prevented.

The incident has once again highlighted the longstanding demand for establishing a dedicated fire station in Chakpikarong subdivision to ensure quicker emergency response and minimise losses during such incidents. The issue has been repeatedly raised by several Anal civil society organisations, including the Anallon Chiefs' Association (ALCA), but remains unresolved.

No casualties or injuries have been reported so far. Authorities are yet to officially confirm the exact cause of the fire or assess the extent of the property loss.

Officials said a detailed investigation will be conducted to determine the cause of the blaze. The possibility of foul play has not been ruled out and will be examined as part of the probe.