MAVELIKKARA: An elderly couple died after a gas cylinder exploded in Chettikulangara. The dead have been identified as Raghavan (70) and his wife Maniyamma (65) of Chettikulangara Vadakkethundam Palappallil House. The incident happened last night. Their concrete house has been completely destroyed in the fire. The bodies of the couple have been completely charred. It is not clear whether the accident was due to a gas leak or a suicide.

Raghavan and his wife were staying in the house. The accident did not happen from the cylinder used for cooking in the kitchen. The cylinder believed to be kept in the bedroom was the cause of the fire. It is not clear how the cylinder leaked. On seeing the fire and hearing a noise, the residents nearby informed the police. No one could enter the house as the gas was spreading. Doors, windows and household appliances were completely burnt. Though the fire force doused the flames, but the couple could not be saved.

The house was sealed after the incident. The forensic experts will reach the house and collect evidence. The bodies will be shifted to the hospital for post mortem. The couple’s son Vinod Kumar is an employee of MSM College in Kayamkulam. He is staying in Pathiyoor. The couple has a daughter also.