A massive fire broke out in Saralanka village of Rautulapudi mandal in the old East Godavari district after a gas cylinder explosion, destroying nearly 30 houses and leaving several families homeless.

According to officials, the blaze spread rapidly through the cluster of houses before fire tenders reached the spot. By the time the flames were brought under control, most houses and belongings had been reduced to ashes. Clothes and festival items kept ready for Sankranti were also destroyed, causing severe distress to affected families.

No injuries or loss of life were reported in the cylinder blast.