LPG leak in sealed room causes explosion in Chennai, no casualties reported

Chennai: An explosion that triggered panic in and around the Ambattur-Korattur residential belt late last night was caused by a gas leak inside a tightly sealed room, police said on Friday.

According to police officials, the incident occurred on Thursday night at an unoccupied house near Venkatapuram, where a caterer had stored four or five commercial-grade LPG cylinders.

As the room was completely sealed and had no ventilation, the leaking gas accumulated rapidly, creating a highly volatile fuel-air mixture.

“The room was tightly shut, which allowed the leaking gas to accumulate under pressure. A minor trigger or spark ignited the trapped gas, resulting in a powerful confined-space explosion that blew out the room’s walls and windows,” a police official told PTI.

No casualties or injuries have been reported so far, as the premises were vacant at the time of the incident, officials added.

Police have cordoned off the area to clear debris and ensure structural safety.

They are awaiting the forensic report to proceed further.

(With PTI inputs)