Malayali couple killed in gas cylinder blast at a restaurant in Oman

Muscat: A Malayali couple lost their lives in a tragic gas cylinder explosion at a restaurant in Bousher, located in Oman's Muscat Governorate. The deceased have been identified as V Pankajakshan (59) and his wife K Sajitha (53), natives of Thalassery in Kannur district. The couple, who had been living in Oman for several years, was residing in a building above the restaurant.

Following news of the incident, their only daughter, who resides in Chennai, has reportedly left for Oman.

The explosion occurred early Saturday morning, when a gas cylinder at the restaurant burst, causing a partial collapse of the commercial-cum-residential building. Firefighters from the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority of Muscat Governorate carried out the rescue operations.

Preliminary findings suggest that the explosion was triggered by a cooking gas leak, according to an official statement from the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority.