1 woman dies and 13 people injured in Rupnagar after AC compressor explodes
On June 3, 2025, a tragic incident occurred at Gurdwara Head Darbar Kot Purana (also referred to as Gurdwara Tibbi Sahib) in Rupnagar, Punjab, where an air conditioner compressor exploded during a religious congregation near the Sutlej River.
The blast resulted in the death of a 62-year-old woman named Kashmir Kaur, a resident of Hargobind Nagar in Rupnagar. Thirteen others were injured, with most of the injured being women who were seated near the AC unit at the time of the explosion. The incident caused panic, leading to a stampede-like situation as devotees fled for safety.
Some injuries occurred due to the commotion following the blast. One of the injured, 60-year-old Baljeet Kaur, sustained severe injuries and was referred to PGI for treatment, while others were reported to be out of danger. The explosion took place around 1 PM, and the cause of the blast was not immediately clear, though a police investigation was initiated to determine the circumstances. Smoke spread rapidly after the explosion, adding to the chaos.
investigate explosion cause
The exact cause of the air conditioner compressor explosion at Gurdwara Head Darbar Kot Purana (Gurdwara Tibbi Sahib) in Rupnagar, Punjab, on June 3, 2025, remains under investigation by local authorities, and no definitive cause has been publicly confirmed based on available information. The incident, which occurred around 1 PM during a religious congregation, resulted in the death of 62-year-old Kashmir Kaur and injured 13 others, mostly women seated near the AC unit. The explosion caused significant panic and a stampede-like situation, with smoke spreading rapidly, exacerbating the chaos.
While specific details about the cause of this particular explosion are not provided in the available sources, general insights into AC compressor explosions from similar incidents can offer context.
Common causes of such explosions include:
● Overpressure from Gas Refilling: Overfilling the refrigerant gas during maintenance can cause excessive pressure in the compressor, leading to a rupture. This has been noted in incidents like the one in Ghaziabad (May 2025), where a compressor burst during gas refilling, killing a technician.
Electrical Faults or Overheating: Faulty wiring, short circuits, or prolonged operation during high ambient temperatures (e.g., heatwaves) can overheat the compressor, potentially triggering an explosion. A 2024 report linked rising AC blast incidents to severe heatwaves, as seen in a Noida incident where an AC fire was caused by a compressor explosion.
Poor Maintenance or Wear and Tear: Aging or poorly maintained AC units may develop leaks or weakened components, increasing the risk of catastrophic failure. For instance, a 2019 Gurugram explosion occurred during routine servicing, killing two technicians.
Manufacturing Defects or Installation Errors: Defective components or improper installation can lead to pressure build-up or gas leaks, as noted in general safety analyses of AC explosions.
The police in Rupnagar have initiated an investigation to determine the specific cause of the Gurdwara explosion, likely focusing on these factors. Eyewitness accounts reported immediate smoke following the blast, suggesting a possible fire or chemical reaction, but no conclusive evidence points to a single cause yet.