A woman was critically injured in a gas cylinder explosion in Balasore town on Saturday while she was cooking at the Patrapada area under Sunahata police limits.
According to reports, the woman was cooking on a gas stove on the terrace when the cylinder suddenly exploded, causing severe burn injuries to her upper body. Hearing her screams, neighbours rushed to the spot and immediately alerted the authorities.
The injured woman was first admitted to the Balasore District Headquarters Hospital for emergency treatment. Owing to the severity of her injuries, she was later referred to a specialised medical facility in Cuttack for advanced care.
Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the explosion. Preliminary assessment suggests that factors such as a gas leak, improper handling, or use of an old or faulty cylinder may have led to the incident.
Authorities have urged residents to strictly follow safety guidelines while using LPG cylinders, including regular inspection of regulators and hoses, proper installation, and immediate action if a gas leak is suspected. The incident has raised fresh concerns over household safety practices, particularly in densely populated residential areas.
