Seven persons suffered burn injuries after LPG cylinders exploded while residents were attempting to extinguish a fire that broke out at a house in Thathanur, near Sriperumbudur, in Kancheepuram district during the early hours of Tuesday.

According to the police, Murugan, who lives with his wife Nandhini and two daughters, had recently added a first-floor extension to their house. When electrical wiring work was reportedly being carried out in the new portion, a fire erupted and quickly spread throughout the structure, eventually reaching the ground floor. The family managed to evacuate safely and immediately informed the Oragadam police and personnel at the Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services station in Sriperumbudur.

By the time firefighters arrived, the blaze had engulfed the entire house and gutted a two-wheeler parked on the premises. Neighbours rushed to assist and tried to put out the flames, but LPG cylinders kept inside the house exploded. Seven persons were injured in the explosion. Firefighters later succeeded in dousing the fire.

Two of the injured were admitted to the Government Hospital in Sriperumbudur, while the remaining were taken to private hospitals. Sources said most of the injured suffered burn injuries covering nearly 25% of their bodies. The Oragadam police have registered a case and are investigating the circumstances that led to the fire and subsequent explosions.