A domestic gas cylinder explosion in the Sunadhimira Sahi area of Hinjilicut, Odisha, left four members of a family injured on Wednesday evening.
The blast, triggered during cooking, sent shockwaves through the locality and damaged nearby homes.
The critically injured victims include Bipra Maharana (60) and his wife Sanjukta Maharana (45), both of whom sustained burn injuries estimated between 75–80%. Their daughters, Priya (14) and Prachi Maharana (13), also suffered injuries in the incident.
Local residents rushed the victims to the Hinjilicut Sub-Divisional Hospital for immediate treatment. Bipra and Sanjukta were later transferred to Berhampur for advanced medical care due to the severity of their condition.
Eyewitnesses stated that the fire originated from the cooking gas pipe and rapidly engulfed the cylinder, leading to an uncontrollable blaze. The explosion destroyed household items, blew off the tin roof, and cracked walls in four nearby homes.
Fire personnel managed to douse the flames, while Hinjilicut police have launched an investigation. No formal complaint had been filed at the police station till the report was prepared.
