Chief priest dies after gas leak explodes at Thiruvananthapuram temple

The accident happened in the temple kitchen around 6.15pm on October 1. According to reports, the fire was caused by a gas leak from an LPG cylinder.

The priest had finished preparing the offerings and left the kitchen unaware of the leak. When he returned with a lighted lamp, the gas ignited, causing a sudden fire. CCTV footage of the incident has since been released.

The footage reveals the priest walking into the kitchen with the lamp and opening the door. Within moments, fire engulfs the room and Jayakumaran is seen running in panic as his dhoti catches fire. Witnesses at the temple rushed to his aid, dousing the flames and immediately rushed him to a private medical college near Venjaramoodu. He was later shifted to a private hospital in Venpalavattom for further treatment.

Despite efforts to save his life, Jayakumaran succumbed to his injuries two weeks later on Thursday evening. The final rites will be performed after the post-mortem examination.