An elderly couple sustained severe burn injuries following a domestic LPG cylinder explosion in their residence in Pulianthope, Chennai, on Tuesday night. The incident occurred when the wife, identified as Muniyammal, 70, a domestic helper, reportedly opened the gas cylinder to prepare dinner and left it open for a short interval. When she attempted to light the stove, a blast ensued.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the flames rapidly spread, engulfing both Muniyammal and her husband, Devaraj, 74, a retired sanitary worker for the Greater Chennai Corporation, who was present in the house at the time. Neighbours heard their cries for help, rushed to the scene, extinguished the fire, and promptly transported the couple to the Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital (KMC Hospital).
Hospital sources indicate that Muniyammal suffered burns across 80% of her body and was admitted to the intensive care unit. Devaraj sustained burns to 65% of his body. The couple resided alone in their home on Kanniga Puram in Pulianthope.
The Pulianthope police have registered a case and initiated an investigation into the fire accident. Based on preliminary information gathered during their investigation, authorities are treating the incident as a gas leak-related explosion. Such incidents, while often tragic, are not uncommon in densely populated urban areas, highlighting the constant need for vigilance in household gas usage.
This incident echoes similar past events in Chennai, underscoring the inherent risks associated with domestic LPG usage. In November 2021, an elderly couple in Mylapore suffered burns after an LPG cylinder burst while they were preparing coffee. In February 2019, a short circuit led to a gas cylinder explosion, killing an elderly couple in Thiruporur. More recently, in December 2025, four people, including a couple, were injured in an LPG blast in Upparapalayam near Ponneri, which also caused a house to collapse.
These recurring incidents serve as a stark reminder of the importance of regular maintenance of gas cylinders and stoves, proper ventilation, and immediate cessation of gas supply in case of any suspected leak. The Chennai Fire and Rescue Services Department often conducts awareness campaigns on safe gas handling practices. Residents are advised to ensure all knobs are turned off after use, to check for leaks periodically, and to ventilate the kitchen area adequately before lighting a stove.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
