A mishap unfolded in Bhubaneswar after an air-conditioner (AC) compressor exploded inside a hotel located under the jurisdiction of Maitree Vihar police station in the city on Thursday, leaving two persons grievously injured.

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According to sources, the fatal incident took place at a hotel situated near a private hospital in the Maitree Vihar locality. Preliminary reports suggest that the explosion occurred in the staircase area on the third floor of the hotel building while gas refilling work was being carried out on the AC unit.

Officials said one of the injured persons is an AC mechanic, while the other is a hotel employee. Both sustained severe injuries in the blast and were immediately shifted to a nearby private hospital for treatment. Their identities had not been officially confirmed at the time of reporting.

The exact reason behind the AC compressor explosion remains unclear. However, initial information suggests the blast may have occurred during the gas-filling process in the air-conditioning system. The powerful explosion created panic among hotel staff and nearby residents.

Soon after the incident, teams from the Odisha fire services stationed at Chandrasekharpur reached the spot along with personnel from Maitree Vihar and Chandrasekharpur police stations. Rescue and safety assessment operations were immediately initiated at the hotel premises.

Police have begun an investigation to determine the precise cause of the explosion and whether any safety lapses or negligence were involved during the maintenance work. Fire officials are also examining the damaged compressor unit and the surrounding area.

However, no comments were received from the local police in this regard.

The incident has once again highlighted concerns regarding safety measures during air-conditioner servicing and gas refilling operations, especially in commercial establishments. Authorities are expected to question hotel management and technical staff as part of the ongoing probe.

Further details regarding the condition of the injured persons and the outcome of the investigation are awaited.

Reported By: Arun Kumar Sahu