Kanpur: At least four people, including a 4-year-old boy, were killed and three others injured after a domestic LPG cylinder exploded, causing a two-storey building to collapse in Malwan town in Uttar Pradesh's Fatehpur district on Monday evening, police said.
Of the injured, two are out of danger, while another suffered around 90 per cent burns and is in critical condition.
The blast occurred around 5 pm while meals were being prepared at the residence of Suresh Gupta alias Chunnar, a fruit and vegetable vendor, Superintendent of Police Abhimanyu Manglik told PTI.
The explosion brought down the two-storey building, trapping family members under the debris and damaging several nearby houses, the SP said.
Seven people were pulled out from the debris and taken to hospital, he said. Subsequently, 4 people — Kunal Gupta (18), Arpit Gupta (15), Ved Gupta (8) and Yash Gupta (4) — succumbed to their injuries during treatment.
Alok Gupta (25) suffered severe burn injuries and is in critical condition, police said.
The bodies of the deceased have been sent for post-mortem examination.
Police, fire brigade personnel and residents joined the rescue operation. The cause of the blast is being investigated, officials said.
Condoling the deaths, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said in a post on X, "The loss of lives in a tragic accident in Fatehpur district is extremely heartbreaking. Officials have been directed to immediately reach the site, expedite relief efforts, and communicate with the families of the injured to provide every possible assistance."
In an official statement, the state government said the chief minister had announced financial assistance of Rs 2 lakh each for the families of the deceased and Rs 50,000 each for the injured.
Adityanath also directed officials to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured, the statement added.