LPG cylinder blast in Bangalore temple creates panic

Commissioner Raghavendra H Auradkar and other top police officers rushed to the scene of the blast. Investigations by the police and forensic experts revealed the explosion occurred as the leaking cylinder came in contact with a burning lamp.

Bhat told the police he allowed use of a gas stove and the cylinder in the temple to make prasadam for devotees. After a puja ended at 8.30 pm,he put the cylinder and the stove in the temple sanctum,locked the door and left for home. Bhat said he forgot to turn off the regulator of the cylinder before leaving.

After being alerted about the blast by locals,the priest rushed to the temple and hid the cylinder and the stove. The blast caused cracks in the temple walls.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (south) H S Revanna said they had registered a case of accidental fire. “Bhat was freed after his statement was recorded,” he said.