GUNTUR: Around 100 huts were gutted in a major fire at Jangala Colony in Nagaram mandal headquarter Sunday. However, there were no casualties, even as the property loss is estimated at Rs1 crore.

The fire broke out when a gas cylinder exploded in one of the huts in the colony. The women residents, who were doing household chores outside, ran to safety when the hut caught fire due to the blast. However, the fire spread rapidly and engulfed dozens of huts within minutes.

By the time fire tenders had rushed to the spot from Repalle, Bapatla and Ponnur, 100 huts were completely engulfed in fire. It took four hours for the fire personnel to bring the flames under control.

Around 400 people were left homeless in the mishap and had been provided with temporary accommodation in the nearby school.