SHILLONG, Jan 10: Two children have reportedly gone missing after a cylinder blast at Mawbah on Tuesday evening.

The blast had led to a major fire destroying the houses of five families.

Dr Raghavendra Kumar MG, who took over charge as new SP of East Khasi Hills, said the fire has been doused and a forensic unit is in place to check for the details. He said that two children have gone missing.

Earlier in the morning, a fire incident also broke out at Mawlai Umjaiur and destroyed houses of four families.

The incident took place at 9.30 am. Sources said that the cause of the fire was suspected to be due to a short circuit. There was no casualty reported during the incident.

The rented houses belong to Manosha Ryndem, Biolet Ryndem, Ibamelaai Diengdoh and Anand Nengnong.