"Prima facie, a fire broke out due to short circuit and as large stock of kerosene was stored in the house, it spread wherein a cylinder exploded," Shadnagar Police Circle Inspector Shankaraiah said.
Jayamma (50), her daughter Chitti (14) and her son Charan (6) were killed on the spot while two others sustained injuries and were rushed to the hospital, the officer said.
The condition of one of the injured is stated to be serious, he said, adding investigations are underway.