Assam: Gas cylinder explosion in Maligaon home claims two lives

Guwahati: Panic gripped Maligaon’s Bharalumukh area in Assam on Sunday when a fierce fire erupted in the Post Office building near Gate No. 8, quickly filling the neighbourhood with thick black smoke.

According to residents, the flames burst out from the third floor and escalated within minutes.

While early reports suggested an electrical short circuit, witnesses later said the situation turned catastrophic after a cooking gas cylinder exploded inside a home where a small birthday celebration was underway for the couple’s daughter.

Locals recalled hearing a sudden blast that sent flames shooting upward, immediately trapping smoke inside the narrow corridors and triggering chaos among people living nearby.

Fire & Emergency Services deployed multiple fire tenders to the scene. Firefighters launched an urgent rescue drive and successfully brought out two people who were stuck on the affected floor.

The victims, 47-year-old Debo Choudhury and 36-year-old Pompi Choudhury, were in critical condition when they were pulled out. Emergency responders stabilised them on-site before shifting them to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH). Despite the medical team’s efforts, both later died from severe burn injuries and smoke inhalation.

Authorities have begun investigating the incident to determine what triggered the initial fire and how the blast occurred. More updates are expected as the inquiry progresses.