BENGALURU — A suspected liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) leak triggered a powerful explosion in Chinayanapalya, Wilson Garden, on Friday morning, killing an eight-year-old boy and injuring nine others, officials said. The blast also damaged at least 13 houses, leaving nearly 60 residents homeless.
The victim, A Mubarak, died after debris from the collapsed structure crushed him. His sister was injured, while their parents, Amanulla and Rabina, were outside at the time. The explosion is believed to have originated in the home of Aiyappan and Kasturamma (Kasturi), Mubarak’s neighbors.
Authorities suspect gas may have leaked through the night and ignited when a stove or electrical appliance was switched on around 8 a.m. The force of the blast nearly flattened two houses and severely damaged several others in the congested locality.
The injured include Kasturi and her daughter Kial (8), both with severe burns, and residents Sarasamma (55), Tabrina Bhanu (35), Fatima (8), Subramani (62), Sheik Nazibulla (37), Pramila (38), and Rajesh (40). All are being treated at Victoria Hospital.
Two fire tenders responded to the scene after a distress call at 8:45 a.m.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who visited the spot with Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, said preliminary reports point to a gas leak-triggered explosion. He announced ₹5 lakh compensation for the bereaved family, with BBMP to cover hospital costs and reconstruct damaged homes.
BBMP Commissioner Maheshwar Rao said temporary shelters would be arranged for displaced families, while Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh noted that forensic tests will confirm the exact cause.
Local residents recalled that Mubarak had been asleep when the explosion occurred. “The debris crushed the lower part of his body. His parents were outside at the time,” said his cousin, Tasmiya.
