Bhubaneswar, March 21 -- Panic gripped the Kalinga Nagar area of Bhubaneswar after multiple gas cylinders reportedly exploded at a cluster of roadside hotels near the Tata Ariana on Saturday.

According to preliminary reports, the incident occurred allegedly during gas refilling operations, triggering a sudden explosion that quickly escalated into a fire. The blast caused chaos in the busy locality, with thick smoke and flames spreading rapidly around the affected establishments.

Sources said that several cylinders exploded one after another, intensifying the blaze and posing a serious threat to nearby shops and passersby. Two scooters parked near the spot were completely gutted in the fire.

Local residents and shopkeepers rushed to saf...