A blast occurred in an SUV at a car workshop on Wednesday here while mechanics were refilling gas in the vehicle’s air-conditioner, injuring the owner and three mechanics.

Panitanki police, under the Siliguri police station, have seized the vehicle.

Sources said an army man reached the garage in Panjabipara of ward 13 of the city with the vehicle for its regular maintenance work.

“While checking the vehicle, mechanics found thatits AC needed gas or refrigerant. As they were refillingthe gas, there was a blast,”said Manik De, the local councillor.

Three mechanics in the garage suffered serious injuries and were admitted to Siliguri district hospital. The SUV’s owner, too, got injured and was administered first aid.

The sound of the blast created panic in the crowded residential area.

Sources said the garage owner was asked to shift the facility to another location.

“It is a residential area and hundreds of people live nearby. The garage owner ignored the order issued by the local civic body earlier. But after this incident, we will ensure he shifts the workshop to some other place,” De added.

Mayor Gautam Deb visited the spot. He also met the injured and assured them of help.

Police said they were conducting an inquiry to confirm the cause of the blast.

“If required, the vehicle owner and mechanics at the workshop will be called for information,” said a source.

INTTUC helpdesk

Trinamul’s labour wing INTTUC opened a helpdesk for tourists outside New Jalpaiguri station on Wednesday.

Sujay Sarkar, the INTTUC president of Siliguri town block-III committee, said they would engage their members to help tourists book cabs.

“Thousands visit here during tourist season and are often harassed by touts. We want to stop it,” he said, adding that volunteers would be available from 8am to 9pm.