Gas Cylinder Fires Injure People and Cause Major Damage Across Slovakia in 11 Days

Four separate fires caused by gas cylinders struck different parts of Slovakia within an 11-day period, injuring people and causing significant property damage. In one incident, a 55-year-old woman sustained severe burns and was airlifted by helicopter in an induced coma to the Burns and Reconstructive Surgery Clinic in Bratislava. A separate blaze at a production facility in Piešťany, a town in western Slovakia, forced the rapid evacuation of approximately 130 workers and caused damage exceeding 700,000 euros. Near Bratislava's airport, a series of explosions destroyed six vehicles, while a further incident occurred at a market stall at the Miletičova outdoor market in the capital. The string of accidents has prompted safety experts to issue guidance on the proper handling and storage of gas cylinders, which are widely used in homes and businesses across Slovakia for heating, cooking, and industrial purposes. Improper use, storage near heat sources, or damaged valves are among the most common causes of gas cylinder fires and explosions. Experts warn that gas cylinders must be stored upright in well-ventilated areas, kept away from flammable materials, and inspected regularly for leaks or damage.