Gas Leak Sparks Inferno in Puri Village, Three Homes Reduced to Ashes

Puri, September 12: A devastating fire erupted in Bada Khatiakudi village under Krushna Prasad block, Puri district, after a cooking gas cylinder leaked and ignited a blaze around 3 PM.

The fire rapidly consumed three thatched houses, causing property damage estimated in several lakhs.

The worst-hit was local resident Mayadhar Tarei, whose home was entirely gutted. Among the losses were household appliances, clothing, food stock, and irreplaceable wedding ornaments and cash saved for his daughter’s upcoming marriage.

Fire services from Malud, led by Officer Pradeep Behera, responded swiftly and managed to contain the blaze before it spread further.

Local officials, including RI Dilip Kishan, Tehsildar Bikash Sethy, and Sarpanch Binapani Pradhan, visited the site and assured the affected families of temporary shelter, food, clothing, and financial compensation.

The incident has reignited concerns over LPG safety in rural Odisha, prompting calls for better awareness and emergency preparedness.