Daijiworld Media Network – Bantwal

Bantwal, Oct 24: A major mishap was averted due to the presence of mind of a young man after a gas leak caused a fire at a house at Anantadi village in Vittal on Wednesday night. Several household items and an electric appliance were damaged in the incident.

The incident occurred around 9:45 pm at Hirthandabailu near Babanakatte in Anantadi village when a new gas cylinder was being installed. Jayaraj, the young man involved, sustained burns on his face and hands. A two-wheeler and several household appliances were also damaged.

Jayaraj and his mother Sushila were at home when their gas cylinder ran out, prompting them to install a new one. However, gas began leaking from the regulator connection, causing flames to erupt in the kitchen. Acting swiftly despite the intensity of the fire, Jayaraj lifted the burning cylinder and carried it outside the house.

Neighbour Venkappa Poojary rushed to the scene and helped douse the flames by covering the burning cylinder with a wet gunny sack, successfully preventing a larger disaster.

Due to the intensity of the fire, several items including electrical appliances, windows, doors, and a two-wheeler were extensively damaged.

It was later found that the regulator had been installed without a washer to prevent leakage, which led to the accident. Officials noted that Jayaraj’s quick action of moving the cylinder outside likely prevented a major explosion.

A complaint has been registered at the Vittal police station. Anantadi gram panchayat president Sujatha, former presidents Ganesh, Sanath Kumar Rai, Ganesh Bantrinj, Umesh Nedyar, village accountant, and Karunakar Shetty of the Bantwal Karinjashwara Gas Agency visited the spot and assured relief measures.