Multiple gas cylinder explosions in 24 hours

COLOMBO (News 1st); Five more incidents of domestic gas cylinders exploding were reported in the past 24 hours.

Hatton : On Monday (29) morning a gas cylinder at a small restaurant along the Colombo - Hatton Road exploded.

The restaurant owner said a fire was first witnessed on the gas tube and then it exploded.

"We were preparing egg rotti for customers. The person who was preparing it placed two rottis and then it exploded," he said.

No casualties were reported.

Athurugiriya : An individual who purchased a gas cylinder on Monday (29) morning from a store in Athurugiriya had witnessed a leak and immediately notified the storekeeper.

The customer was given a replacement, and when the storekeeper had made an inspection he discovered four more gas cylinders with leaks.

"I bring around 20 to 25 cylinders, once in every three days. I got a call when I was at home, stating that a customer is complaining about a leak. I came to the store and gave a replacement. But I decided to check the rest. Leaks were reported in many," he told News 1st.

Hanwella : Another gas cylinder exploded at a residence on Sunday (28) night in Diddeniya, Hanwella.

"I purchased this cylinder on Wednesday and did not use it. I used it for the first time yesterday to boil water, and then I heard a sound. My son inspected it and uncovered there was a leak," said the homeowner.

Jaffna : Another gas cylinder explosion was reported from Chunnakam in Jaffna on Monday (29).

Chilaw : A gas cylinder also exploded inside a house in Chilaw on Sunday (28) night.

Another gas cylinder explosion was reported from Marawila as well on Sunday (28) night