A cylinder explodes, house catches fire

The fire personnel then had to call for an assistance from the Vasco fire department.

Fire broke out in the outhouse of Velsao panch member Ashok D'Souza at 12pm, due to a cylinder explosion.

The locals said they tried their best to save the house from fire and also alerted Verna fire station.

However, the fire tender that arrived failed to douse the fire as its pump failed.

Villagers said that by the time another fire tender from Vasco arrived most of the property, including some valuables had already been destroyed.

Deputy Sarpanch Sylvia D'souza said that the government should set up a fire station at Velsao since it will be useful during emergencies.