Bengaluru: Man, neighbour killed, three others injured in fire triggered by gas cylinder leak, son booked for negligence

The interior of the house in a partially damaged condition following the fire.
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

A 50-year-old man and his neighbour were killed and three others injured in the fire accident sparked by a gas leak on April 28 at the former’s residence in Adakamaranahalli, the police said on Thursday. The Madanayakanahalli police have registered an FIR against an 18-year-old student, son of one of the victims, for allegedly triggering the LPG cylinder leak.

The deceased have been identified as Nagaraju Gowda, 50, father of the accused and Srinivasa, 50, a neighbour who came to rescue. Abhishek Gowda, son of Nagaraju, who also sustained serious burn injuries, has been booked for negligence.

According to the police, Nagaraju, a native of Ballari and working in a private pharma company, was living in the Adakamaranahalli house, a rented accomodation, with his wife and two children for the last two years.

The accident occurred on Monday morning when Abhishek tried to replace the cylinder and the gas got leaked. Nagaraju, as part of his routine, was lighting lamp in front of the god’s portrait and the cylinder caught fire. It spread rapidly as the house was small and engulfed the whole space.

The accused have been charged under Section 287 (negligent conduct with respect to fire or combustible matter) and section 125 (a) (endangering human life or personal safety of others through reckless or negligent actions), based on a complaint by Gangaiah, 58, owner of the house.

Nagaraju’s wife Lakshmi Devi, elder son Basavanagowda, a student, and Shivashankar, 35, son-in-law of the complainant, who rushed to help, also sustained burn injuries. Nagaraju and Srinivas succumbed to their injuries while being treated.

Abhishek and Shivashankar were critical and are being treated at the hospital. Basavanagowda is said to be out of danger. The house was partially damaged in the accident.

The police along with the fire and emergency services personnel rushed to the spot and managed to douse the fire. The police are waiting for Abhishek’s recovery for further procedure.