The incident took place yesterday when Anil, a resident of Chamanganj, allegedly kept a leaking gas cylinder inside a water tank at a public toilet here, a police spokesman said.
As the water tank was empty, the leakage continued and spread.
Meanwhile, someone entered the toilet and lit a cigarette which triggered the blaze, he said.
Anil had brought the cylinder for use in his house. But when he opened its cap, gas started leaking and so he kept it in the nearby toilet.
Police rushed to the spot and admitted the injured to hospital where six of them, including two women, succumbed to their injuries.
The deceased have been identified as Vijay (24), Anurag (12), Sita Devi (40), Hasina (48), Anil (24) and Sunil (29), SHO Juber Ahmed said and added that at least four of the injured were in a critical condition.
District Magistrate Roshan Jacob has visited the spot and ordered an inquiry into the incident.
He has also announced a compensation of Rs 50,000 for the deceased and Rs 20,000 for the seriously injured.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
