A major disaster was averted on Monday night when a cooking gas cylinder exploded following a short-circuit-induced fire at a residential building in RH Colony, near the Sri Rama temple in PM Palem police station limits.According to local residents, the fire broke out due to an electrical short-circuit in a compact, upper-floor dwelling of a two-storey residential building.Family members managed to escape the premises safely as the flames began to spread.Moments later, the fire engulfed the house, causing the gas cylinder to explode with a loud bang. Household articles, appliances, and personal belongings inside the home were completely gutted and reduced to ashes.Authorities confirmed no casualties were reported, as the house was empty during the accident, bringing relief to the neighbourhood.Upon receiving information, Fire Services Department personnel and PM Palem police rushed to the spot and brought the fire under control. Police and fire officials are probing the incident to gather further details. Published - August 10, 2026 11:41 pm IST