Jajapur: A five-year-old girl died and three members of her family were injured after a fire broke out at their home in Arabala village under Dharmasala police station limits in Odisha’s Jajpur district on Sunday morning. Her parents suffered critical burn injuries and were shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for further treatment.
The incident reportedly occurred around 6.30 am on October 11, while the family was preparing breakfast. Initial reports linked the fire to a suspected LPG gas pipe leak, although the exact cause had not been officially confirmed in the information available at the time of writing.
The girl was identified as Mamali Malik. Her mother, Tilottama Malik, 35, and father, Abhiram Malik, 40, sustained serious burn injuries. Her uncle, Uttam Malik, 50, was also reported to have been injured.
According to published reports, the family members were taken to Dharmasala Community Health Centre for initial treatment. Mamali was reported to have died after being brought to the hospital. The three injured family members were subsequently shifted to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, where their condition was described as critical in the latest reports available. No independently verified medical update confirming their current condition could be located.
Police and fire service personnel reportedly reached the village after receiving information about the incident. The circumstances surrounding the fire are being investigated, and an official finding establishing the precise cause was not available at the time of writing.
There is no confirmed information suggesting that the family failed to follow LPG safety precautions. The following advice is intended to help households reduce risks and protect their families, not to assign blame for this tragedy.
Indian Oil Corporation provides safety guidance for domestic LPG users. Seven precautions can help households reduce risks and respond appropriately if they suspect a leak.
- Use approved equipment: Choose a BIS-approved gas stove, regulator and suitable LPG hose from authorised sources. Avoid makeshift connections and unauthorised repairs.
- Inspect the hose regularly: Check for cracks, damage, loose connections or signs of deterioration. Arrange replacement or repairs through an authorised distributor or technician.
- Keep the cylinder in a ventilated area: Store the cylinder upright, away from heat sources and combustible materials. Keep the cooking area clear of items that can catch fire easily.
- Check a refill cylinder before use: When a new cylinder is delivered, check its seal and safety cap. Ensure the regulator is fitted correctly and the connection is secure before lighting the stove. Contact the distributor if anything appears damaged or unusual.
- Turn off the regulator after cooking: Switch off the stove knobs and turn off the cylinder regulator when cooking is finished. Arrange periodic maintenance of the LPG installation through an authorised technician.
- Take immediate precautions if you smell gas: Do not light a match, operate the stove, smoke or switch electrical appliances on or off. If it is safe to do so without approaching the leak, turn off the regulator. Open doors and windows manually, leave the affected area and do not re-enter until it has been declared safe.
- Keep the emergency number handy: Indian Oil lists 1906 as the round-the-clock LPG leakage emergency helpline. Call from a safe location if you suspect a leak and follow the instructions given by emergency personnel or your authorised distributor.
For further guidance, households can consult the Indian Oil LPG FAQs, the official emergency safety guidance and the Indian Oil contact page.
The Jajpur fire remains a developing story. An official confirmation of the cause and an updated medical assessment of the injured family members are needed to establish the full circumstances of the incident. Until then, the suspected LPG leak should be treated as a preliminary account rather than a confirmed finding.
