LUCKNOW, Jan. 30 -- A shopkeeper was critically injured after a gas cylinder exploded during illegal refilling in the Juggour area of the state capital, under the BBD police station limits, on Thursday morning, police said. The blast was so powerful that it was heard nearly a kilometre away, triggering panic among residents in the locality. The injured man has been identified as Karan, who was allegedly refilling gas cylinders at his shop when the explosion occurred. He suffered severe burn injuries and was rushed to hospital by the police. "There was a loud blast, and for a moment everyone thought something major had happened. Smoke filled the area and people ran outside," a resident said. Residents also alleged that illegal gas refilling had been going on in the Juggour area for a long time and that repeated complaints had been ignored. They claimed the accident was waiting to happen due to the unsafe handling of gas cylinders in residential surroundings. Inspector Ram Singh said, "At the time of the explosion, only Karan was present at the shop. The matter is being investigated, and strict action will be taken against those involved in illegal gas refilling," he said. Police are also examining whether others were involved in the illegal operation and if safety norms were repeatedly violated. Further action will be taken based on the findings of investigation, officials added. htc...