Chhattisgarh: Cylinder blast wipes out family of four, including toddler charred to death in Durg

RAIPUR: A powerful LPG cylinder explosion ripped through a house in Chhattisgarh's Durg district on Tuesday, killing four members of a family, including a toddler, in a devastating fire that left no time for escape.The incident occurred in Khapri village in Kumhari region neighbouring state capital where a sudden blast triggered a massive blaze that engulfed the entire house within minutes. The victims were trapped inside and died on the spot.The deceased were identified as Homdas Vaishnav (40), his daughters Laxmi (18), Vaishnav (17) and two-year-old toddler. All four belonged to the same family and were inside the house when the explosion occurred, apparently having a summer noon nap.Residents said a loud explosion jolted the area, forcing people out of their homes. “By the time we reached, the house was already in flames. There was no way to go inside,” a local said. Attempts by neighbours to douse the fire failed as the blaze intensified rapidly.Police officials said that tire tender teams rushed to the spot and brought the fire under control after a prolonged effort. However, by then, the house had been reduced to ashes.

Charred bodies were later recovered from the debris.Preliminary reports suggest the explosion originated from a gas cylinder, though officials are also probing the possibility of a fire triggering the blast. The intensity of the explosion and the speed at which the flames spread indicate that the occupants had little chance to react.Police have registered a case and begun an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the fire and explosion.The tragedy has left the locality in shock, with residents gathering near the gutted house as grief and disbelief gripped the neighbourhood.