RAJKOT, Gujarat — A tragic accident at a hotel on the Rajkot–Bhavnagar Road resulted in the death of a young hotel employee after a coolant gas cylinder reportedly exploded inside the kitchen area.

According to preliminary information, the incident occurred at the kitchen of the well-known Thakar Dhani Hotel. Authorities stated that a coolant gas cylinder used in the hotel's refrigeration system exploded suddenly, causing panic among staff members and prompting an emergency response.

Police and fire department personnel arrived at the scene shortly after receiving reports of the blast and launched an investigation into the cause of the explosion.

The victim, identified as Arvind Singh, was originally from Rajasthan and had been working at the hotel for approximately seven months. Reports indicate that he had moved to Rajkot for employment to support his family following the death of his father. He sustained fatal injuries in the explosion and was declared dead before he could receive hospital treatment.

No other casualties were reported.

Investigators are examining whether a technical malfunction in the refrigeration equipment or a gas leak triggered the blast. Police have begun reviewing CCTV footage and gathering statements from hotel staff as part of the ongoing investigation.

The victim's body was sent for a post-mortem examination and will be handed over to family members after legal formalities are completed.

The incident has left hotel employees and the victim's family in deep shock, while authorities continue efforts to determine the exact cause of the explosion.