3 killed as gas cylinder explodes

The incident occurred in the early morning hours while the victims were asleep. Neighbours, who heard a huge explosion around 5 am, rushed to put out the fire and rescue them. 

But, their efforts went in vain as all the inmates were found charred to death when they entered the house.

Dindigul Superintendent of Police R Sakthivel, revenue department officials and forensic experts inspected the extensively-damaged house. Speaking to reporters, Sakthivel said the room heater was on when the explosion occurred. “It is suspected that the temperature inside the room could have increased.

Simultaneously, there might have been a gas leak from the cylinder, which remained inside the bedroom where the victims slept. These reasons could be the cause behind the explosion,” he said.

One of the two gas cylinders kept in the house exploded, while the other remained intact. The small bed room, which was mostly furnished with wood, has been destroyed.

The deceased persons have been identified as Ganesan (50), his wife Manjula (40) and their daughter Vishnupriya (10). Ganesh, a DMK functionary, was the former president of Kamanur panchayat.