Gangavathi: Two injured in cylinder explosion in tea shop

Team Udayavani, Jan 8, 2025, 9:24 AM IST

Gangavathi: A cylinder explosion following an accidental fire in a tea shop caused significant damage to four houses, shops, and a private hospital near Amar Talkies and Chinivalar Hospital in the city. The incident occurred at 2:35 AM on Wednesday.

The blast damaged glass windows and doors of a private hospital and affected nearby establishments, including a tea shop, a hardware shop, a fruit stall, and a puncture repair shop. The fire also destroyed houses located opposite Chinivalar Hospital.

The mishap began when waste near the tea shop caught fire, spreading rapidly to nearby houses and shops. A gas cylinder in the tea shop exploded, intensifying the blaze and causing burns to Dr. Sulochana Chinivalar and the tea shop owner, Tippesha. Both were admitted to Chinivalar Hospital for treatment.

Alert dog saves lives:

In a remarkable incident, a pet dog owned by Hulugappa Medar barked continuously to alert its owners to the fire. This prompt warning allowed four families to evacuate their homes in time, preventing any major loss of life. However, essential household items, including food grains, clothing, cash, and jewelry, were completely destroyed in the blaze.

Fire brigade teams arrived on time and managed to extinguish the fire, preventing further damage.

City Municipal Council President Maulasab, PI Prakash Male, and officials from the Revenue Department and Municipal Council visited the site to assess the damage.