Bhubaneswar, April 4 -- A gas cylinder explosion triggered a major fire in Odisha's Balasore district on Saturday, gutting a house and causing extensive property damage.

The incident occurred in Sardang village under Khaira block while a woman was cooking, when the cylinder suddenly exploded, sparking a blaze that quickly spread across the residence.

According to reports, the fire completely destroyed household belongings, reducing furniture and essential items to ashes. The three-room house was extensively damaged, while a motorcycle and a bicycle were also gutted in the incident.

Property worth lakhs of rupees is feared to have been lost in the fire.

On receiving information, fire services personnel rushed to the spot and launched a...