Leaking LPG cylinder triggers fire, blast; four of a family battling for life in Kovilambakkam
Nearby residents rescued the family and rushed them to Chromepet Government Hospital where they received first aid
Visual from the spot (Thanthi TV)
CHENNAI: Four of a family are battling for their lives due to severe burns that they sustained after their house caught fire following an LPG cylinder blast in Medavakkam on Wednesday.
The incident happened at the residence of Munusamy (65), a resident of Gandhi Nagar in Kovilambakkam near Medavakkam. After finishing dinner on Tuesday, Munusamy, his wife Rani (55), their relative Shanthi (42), and her son Hariharan (25) went to sleep.
On Wednesday morning, Shanthi went to the kitchen and turned on the light, which triggered the fire and explosion. Hearing Shanthi's cries, Hariharan, Rani and Munusamy rushed inside the kitchen to rescue her, but all of them suffered burns.
Their neighbours immediately came to their rescue, and some also alerted the police and ambulance service. All four were rushed to Chromepet GH, from where they were referred to Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital. Shanthi is under intensive care with 100 per cent burns, Rani and Hariharan suffered 60 per cent burns, while Munusammy sustained 65 per cent burns.
Medavakkam police said the LPG cylinder could have been leaking for the whole night. Unaware of the gas leak, Shanthi turned on the light, which triggered the fire. The police have registered a case and further investigation is on.
