EZHUKON: A middle-aged couple died at Ezhukon on Tuesday after a gas cylinder exploded. The dead have been identified as Ambalathumkala Kakakottoor Palavila natives Yohannan (60) and wife Annamma Yohannan (Lillykutty 57).

The mishap occurred at 5:30 in the morning. The couple were in the kitchen when the strong explosion occurred.

Though they were rushed to Medical College with severe burns, Annamma breathed her last by 3 pm and her husband by 6pm.

Since the son Jomon was in the first floor, he escaped unhurt. In the explosion three rooms including the kitchen completely got destroyed.

Police said that gas must have leaked and spread all over the rooms and lighting the stove or switching on the room light might have ignited the gas.

Fire force from Kottarakkara and forensic reached the place to ensure safety and collect evidence respectively.

Annamma was a retired nurse of Kottarakkara ESI.