Two staffers injured in blast at old-age home

Two people suffered burns in a blast triggered by a gas leak at the Sayanam old-age home at Attukal here on Friday.

According to Fire and Rescue Services personnel, the blast occurred at the old-age home under the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation in the morning. The injured have been identified as 39-year-old Maya and 30-year-old Rajeev, the staff members at the home.

The gas leak and subsequent blast occurred when Maya was working on the cylinder. Maya caught fire below the waist and suffered 18% burns, while Rajeev, who was helping her, suffered 10% burns on his hands and legs. The injured have been admitted to a private hospital in the city.

The Fire and Rescue Services personnel said the gas regulator, exhaust fans, gas tube, and electrical wiring kit were damaged in the fire.

The old-age home has 41 residents aged above 70. A Fire and Rescue Services team led by senior rescue officer Shaafi M., along with other officials, assisted in evacuating the elderly from the building safely.