Bhubaneswar: A tragic incident was reported from Ganjam district where a 13-year-old boy was charred to death after a fire broke out at a local shop.

The incident occurred at Samantara Ghain Chhak under Sorada police limits. The deceased has been identified as Badal Muli, a resident of Gangpur village under Badagada police station.

According to reports, Badal had come to his maternal grandparents’ house during the summer vacation. On the day of the incident, he was present at a grocery shop located at the Chhak when a sudden fire broke out.

Before Badal could escape, a gas cylinder inside the shop exploded, engulfing the area in flames. The boy was unable to come out in time and was charred to death in the fire.

Upon being informed, the Sorada Fire Services personnel rushed to the spot and managed to bring the blaze under control.

The Sorada police reached the scene and initiated a probe into the cause of the fire and the circumstances leading to the tragic death.

Further details are awaited.