Guruvayur (Kerala) | An elderly couple has been hospitalised after inhaling smoke from a refrigerator, minutes before it exploded at their house here, Fire and Rescue Services officials said on Thursday.

The explosion partially damaged the house.

The incident occurred at the residence of Kuttappan (70) at around 11.30 pm on Wednesday.

According to officials, only Kuttappan and his wife were in the house when thick smoke began spreading through the building at around 11 pm.

The couple, who experienced breathing difficulties, called their neighbours for help.

The neighbours rushed to the house and rescued them, officials said.

About 10 minutes later, the refrigerator exploded with a loud noise.

The impact of the explosion caused cracks in the house and shattered the window panes, while the refrigerator was destroyed in the fire, officials said.

The couple were admitted to a hospital after suffering breathing problems due to smoke inhalation.

Fire and Rescue Services officials said they were examining the refrigerator to ascertain the cause of the explosion.