The explosion occurred at Narayanapuram village in Dachepally block when a cooking gas cylinder exploded. Soon the gelatin sticks stocked inside the house caught fire.
The explosion was so powerful that nearly 15 neighbouring houses were razed, police said.
So far, eight bodies have been recovered and more persons are feared trapped in the debris, police said, adding rescue operations are on and the injured are being admitted to the general hospital here.
The house belonged to one B Koteswara Rao, who undertakes quarrying work and the gelatin sticks were stored for the purpose, they added.
Published 16 November 2009, 08:10 IST