Agartala flat blast claims first victim; CM orders high-level probe into gas leak
Times of India | 26 June 2026
Agartala: The tragic explosion at a flat in the Ramnagar locality here on Thursday claimed its first victim on Friday, as Shubhrajit Choudhury, who sustained critical injuries in the blast, succumbed during treatment at Gobind Ballabh Pant (GBP) Hospital.
Shubhrajit was an employee at the Abacus Agartala Head Office mathematics study circle. The news of his passing prompted an outpouring of grief on social media, with many expressing shock and sorrow over his untimely death.
Chief minister Manik Saha conveyed his deep condolences and ordered a high-level inquiry into the accident. The powerful explosion ripped through the flat, causing significant damage to the apartment building and nearby residences, leaving several people injured and terrifying local residents.
The chief minister, accompanied by Agartala Municipal Corporation Mayor Dipak Majumder, visited the devastated site to inspect the damaged flats, interact with residents and eyewitnesses, and assess the scale of destruction. Saha assured the affected families of the state government’s full support during this challenging time.
He wished the injured a swift recovery and promised that all necessary aid would be extended to those impacted. Furthermore, he announced that the high-level investigation would specifically determine whether Tripura Natural Gas Company Ltd (TNGCL) bore responsibility for the explosion, pointing to preliminary findings of a potential gas pipeline leak.
Saha noted that all potential causes would be thoroughly investigated before drawing final conclusions. Meanwhile, residents sought updates on a similar explosion that took place nearly a year ago at a residential flat near Fire Brigade Chowmuhani in the city, demanding clarity on its investigation and findings.
Experts stress that a thorough forensic analysis is critical to pinpointing the root cause of such disasters, uncovering potential safety lapses, and implementing safeguards to prevent further tragedies. Local residents continue to seek accountability and concrete measures to ensure the safety of families living in apartment buildings across Tripura.