Chennai: Gas leak, compressor blast gut 11th-floor flat in OMR high-rise

CHENNAI: A major fire broke out at a high-rise apartment complex in Thaiyur near Kelambakkam on OMR on Wednesday night after a cooking gas leak reportedly triggered an explosion, followed by a fridge compressor blast and an electrical short circuit.

The fire broke out around 9.45 pm at a flat on the 11th floor of the Argent block in PBEL City, a private residential complex in Thaiyur. Household articles, furniture, clothes, and expensive silk sarees were destroyed in the blaze.

According to police, the fire started after an LPG cylinder leaked and exploded. Residents said a fridge compressor also exploded following the gas leak, intensifying the fire, while an electrical short circuit is suspected to have spread the flames inside the flat.

A family of three, comprising a couple and their daughter, resided in the affected flat. One of the parents suffered minor burn injuries and was admitted to a private hospital in Kelambakkam.

Three women residents reportedly rushed upstairs and helped the family evacuate. The family's escape raised an alarm among other residents, triggering panic in the high-rise.

Fire and Rescue Services personnel from Siruseri, Tiruporur, and Kovalam rushed to the spot. More than 20 firefighters battled the flames for over two hours before bringing the fire under control.

As a precaution, power supply to the affected tower was disconnected. With lifts non-functional and common areas plunged into darkness, residents used mobile phone flashlights to navigate down the staircases.

PBEL City comprises multiple high-rise towers and houses over 2,000 families. Most residents of the affected tower moved to the homes of friends and relatives, while a few remained in the complex.

Fire and Rescue Services Joint Director Saravanan Kumar, District Fire Officer Lakshminarayanan, and other officials inspected the spot. Power supply to the affected tower remained disconnected.

Kelambakkam police have registered a case and are investigating.