Bhubaneswar, Dec. 23 -- One person was critically injured, and several properties were damaged in a gas cylinder explosion triggered by a suspected leak in Borigaon under Nimakhandi police station limits in Berhampur on Monday night.

The incident occurred around 10.30 pm at the residence of Prafulla Raul, a ward member, in Bada Bandha Sahi area of Borigaon. Raul, who was reportedly alone at home, had gone to cook when the gas cylinder suddenly exploded, triggering a major fire and causing extensive structural damage.

The impact of the explosion was severe, completely destroying Raul's house and damaging four neighbouring houses. Cracks developed on the walls of the adjacent houses due to the force of the blast. All household belongings,...