Date:10/07/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/07/10/stories/2006071014080300.htm

Tamil Nadu - Chennai

11 suffer burns in Royapuram

Staff Reporter

Fire broke out due to LPG cylinder leak; condition of three serious

CHENNAI: Eleven people suffered burns in a fire that broke out after an LPG cylinder leak on Saturday evening. The condition of three is serious, according to the police.

Royapuram police said neighbours were the first to notice the smell of leaking gas from the second floor of a house on Pakkiri Sahib Street around 6.30 p.m. The occupant Sherly was outside and her landlady alerted her. According to the police, Sherly had left the regulator and one burner open. The inspector said she had moved to the building only two days ago, which is still under construction.

"She locked the house and went out. As soon as she returned with her relatives Franklin and Jude, she was warned not to switch on any electrical appliances by workers and neighbours," said the inspector.

While it was not clear whether they switched on the power, the fire broke out within a few minutes of their entry inflicting serious burn injuries on Sherly and her relatives. They are being treated at a private hospital.

Eight others, mostly workers, who ran to the spot hearing the commotion, sustained minor injuries, police said. The police said that fire and rescue service personnel put out the fire. They added that the cylinder was intact and further investigations were on.