Bantwal: A domestic LPG cylinder exploded inside a house at Kurumbala in Kasaba village of Vittal on Sunday morning, severely damaging the building and destroying the kitchen. The incident caused panic in the locality, although the family members escaped unhurt.
The explosion occurred at around 11 am at the residence of Hameed in Kurumbala. Hameed was away in town when the incident took place, while his wife, Khairunnisa, was working in the kitchen.
Flames erupt near gas regulator
According to the family, Khairunnisa noticed flames suddenly emerging near the regulator of the LPG cylinder while she was in the kitchen.
Realising the seriousness of the situation, she immediately raised an alarm and alerted those around the house.
Hearing her cries, neighbour Umar rushed to the spot. He helped Khairunnisa and the other family members move out of the house and take shelter in the courtyard.
Their quick response proved crucial as the situation escalated moments later.
Cylinder explodes after family evacuated
Just moments after the family had moved outside, the LPG cylinder reportedly exploded with a powerful blast.
The force of the explosion was significant enough to tear the cylinder apart and cause extensive damage to the house. The kitchen, where the cylinder had been kept, was completely destroyed in the incident.
The blast also caused cracks to develop in the walls of the house, raising concerns about the structural condition of the building.
Household items kept inside the house were damaged in the explosion. Furniture and important documents were also reportedly destroyed, adding to the family’s losses.
According to preliminary estimates, the total property damage is expected to run into lakhs of rupees.
Neighbour’s timely action prevents tragedy
Residents in the area were alarmed by the sound of the explosion. The incident could have resulted in a major tragedy had the family members remained inside the house when the cylinder exploded.
The timely intervention by Umar, who responded immediately after hearing Khairunnisa’s cries, helped the family move to safety before the blast.
No casualties were reported in the incident.
The incident has once again highlighted the potential risks associated with LPG cylinders and the importance of responding quickly when signs of a gas leak or fire are detected.
Police inspect damaged house
Following the incident, personnel from the Vittal police station visited the house and conducted an inspection.
Officials examined the damaged kitchen, walls and other parts of the house to assess the circumstances surrounding the explosion.
Satish Alva, proprietor of Sai Ganesh, the Indane gas distributor in Vittal, also visited the spot along with other prominent persons. They inspected the damage caused to the house following the explosion.
The exact cause of the fire and subsequent cylinder explosion is yet to be established. Further assessment will be required to determine whether the incident was caused by a leak near the regulator or another technical issue.
The family is now facing substantial property losses after the blast damaged the structure and destroyed household belongings.
The incident serves as a reminder that residents should immediately move to a safe location and seek assistance if they notice unusual flames, a gas smell or any suspected malfunction involving an LPG cylinder or regulator.