Muzaffarpur/Patna: Five schoolgirls were hospitalised after a Piped Natural Gas (PNG) pipeline was allegedly damaged during a drain construction project in Muzaffarpur on Friday, triggering a gas leak that caused panic in the area.
The incident occurred under the Mushahari police station limits, where excavation work being carried out by Bihar Urban Infrastructure Development Corporation (BUIDCO) reportedly ruptured the underground gas pipeline.
According to officials, the leaking gas spread rapidly through the surrounding area. Five schoolgirls passing the site experienced breathing difficulties and lost consciousness.
Five Students Hospitalised
The students were rushed by local residents to the Mushahari Primary Health Centre (PHC), where they are undergoing treatment.
Hospital authorities identified the students as Divya, Nahid, Amrita and Rakhi, all Class 10 students, and Vishakha, a Class 11 student.
Doctors said the girls suffered breathing difficulties after inhaling the leaked gas. Their condition is reported to be stable.
Pipeline Damaged During Construction
Preliminary information suggests the pipeline was damaged while drain construction work was in progress, resulting in a significant gas leak.
The incident created panic among residents, many of whom moved away from the area as the smell of gas spread.
Gas Supply Shut, Probe Underway
Police, district administration officials and the technical team of the gas distribution company reached the site soon after the incident.
The gas supply was immediately shut off, and repair work on the damaged pipeline was initiated. Residents living nearby were advised to move to safer locations as a precaution.
Police have launched an investigation to determine how the pipeline was damaged and whether prescribed safety protocols were followed during the construction work.
The administration said further action would be taken after the investigation report is submitted.
