A gas cylinder explosion severely injured a couple in Kolabira village of Jharsuguda district early Thursday morning.
Reports said Surendra Tandkar, owner of Hotel Shakuntala, and his wife were heating water when the cylinder caught fire and exploded. Flames engulfed both of them, leaving them critically injured.
Family members rushed the victims to Jharsuguda District Headquarters Hospital. Doctors provided first aid and later referred them to IGH, Rourkela, for advanced treatment.
The explosion was so powerful that it shattered nearby windows and doors of the house. Locals said the blast created panic in the area.
Officials suspect a gas leak or a technical fault triggered the fire. Police and fire personnel inspected the site and confirmed that further investigation is underway.
By the time of reporting, doctors stated that both victims are stable but remain under close observation.
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