Students of Manakarpur Primary school in this coastal district had a providential escape on Saturday when a fire broke out in the kitchen room of the school due to leakage of a gas cylinder.

Thanks to the presence of mind of a cook and helper, engaged in the mid-day Meal of the school, a major fire mishap was averted and not a single student was hurt in the incident.

About 45 students, studying from class I to class V, of Manakarpur Primary school were present in the school when the fire broke out following a leakage in the gas cylinder.

The cook and helper alerted the teachers who rushed to the class rooms and managed to evacuate the students to a safer place.

The fire brigade personnel later rushed to the spot and managed to douse the blaze.

Only utensils, grocery items and other material kept in the kitchen room were destroyed in the fire.

(With UNI Inputs)