A woman and one of her three-year-old twin daughters were killed and five others, including the woman’s husband, three children, and a neighbour, suffered serious burn injuries after a cooking gas cylinder exploded at a house in Vinayaka Layout under Nayandahalli police station limits three days ago.

The deceased have been identified as Lakshmamma, 42, and one of her three-year-old twin daughters. The family, originally from Raichur, had been living in a rented house for the past 25 years.

Lakshmamma lived with her husband Karilingappa, 40, a construction worker, daughters Chaithra, 11, Basava, 9, and twins Geetha and Girija.

According to the police, the incident occurred around 6.20 a.m., when the family was preparing to cook. After switching on the stove, the gas cylinder suddenly exploded.

The blast left Karilingappa, Lakshmamma and all four children with severe burn injuries. They were immediately shifted to Victoria Hospital, where they were undergoing treatment in the burns ward.

Lakshmamma had suffered nearly 70% burns, while Karilingappa sustained around 45% burns. Chaithra, Basava andthe surviving three-year-old child also suffered serious injuries and continue to receive treatment.

The police suspect that a gas leakage from the cylinder over the preceding three days may have led to the explosion. Further investigation is under way to establish the exact cause of the blast.