HYDERABAD, April 6: A man was killed when a gas cylinder exploded in a cylinder shop on the Auto Bhan Road near the Maajee Hospital in Latifabad on Thursday afternoon.

The cylinder exploded in the shop of Nasrullah. The fire also engulfed the adjoining furniture godown of Manan and the house of Iran Gul. Shafqat 35, son of Tufail, who was working in the furniture godown, died on the spot. He was a resident of Multan.

The fire brigade reached the site after two hours when enraged people of the area ransacked the fire brigade office.

District Nazim Kanwar Naveed Jamil, Naib Nazim Zafar Rajput, city and Latifabad taluka nazims and a contingent of police and Rangers also rushed to the spot and helped in the rescue operation.

The naib nazim is reported to have received injuries and also suffered a stroke. He has been admitted to the ICU of the Liaquat University hospital.

Following the incident, Mr Jamil banned refilling of LPG gas cylinders in shops located in congested commercial or residential areas in the district.