Chattogram: Two separate probe bodies have been established to investigate a devastating explosion, likely caused by a gas leak, in a flat located in the Halishahar area of Chattogram city. The incident has claimed the lives of three individuals as of Tuesday. Mohammad Jashim Uddin, deputy-director of Chattogram Fire Service and Civil Defense, announced the formation of a five-member committee tasked with examining the explosion. This committee is expected to deliver its findings by next week.
According to United News of Bangladesh, a second investigative team has been set up by Kabir Uddin Ahmed, General Manager of Karnaphuli Gas Distribution Company Limited (KGDCL). This three-member committee is required to submit its report within three working days. The explosion took place at approximately 4:30 am on Monday in a flat on the third floor of ‘Halima Manzil’ in Halishahar, resulting in a fire that left nine people injured.
Among the injured, three have succumbed to their injuries, while six others are currently undergoing treatment at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka. Nurjahan Akter Rani, aged 40, passed away en route to Dhaka for medical attention. Subsequently, her 16-year-old son Shawon and his uncle Samir also died from their injuries. Rani suffered 100 percent burns, with Shawon and Samir sustaining burns of 50 percent and 45 percent, respectively.
The individuals still receiving medical care include Rani’s husband, Sakhawat Hossain, their daughter Umme Aiman Snigdha, Samir’s wife Ashura Akter Pakhi, their children Ayesha and Farhan Ahmed Anas, and Sakhawat’s brother Shipon Hossain. Hospital sources report that Pakhi and Sakhawat have 100 percent burns, Shipon has 80 percent, Aiman 38 percent, Ayesha 45 percent, and Anas 30 percent.
Sakhawat, who is a garage owner, had rented the flat one and a half years ago and resided there with his family and an employee. His younger brother recently joined them for medical reasons. Fire Service officials suspect that the explosion might have been triggered by accumulated gas inside the flat, though the precise cause will be confirmed following the investigations.