Gas line explosion in Halishahar flat: Condition of 9 burnt people critical

❐ Chittagong Bureau

The condition of all nine people who were burnt in a gas explosion in a flat in Halishahar, Chittagong city, is critical. Initiatives have been taken to transfer them from Chittagong Medical College Hospital to the Sheikh Hasina National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute in Dhaka for better treatment.

Liton Kumar Palit, assistant registrar of the burn unit of Chittagong Medical College Hospital, confirmed the matter on Monday afternoon.

He said that nine people with serious burns were brought to the hospital from Halishahar this morning. Since their physical condition is critical, it has been advised to send them to Dhaka for better treatment.

Earlier, this Monday morning, the explosion occurred in a flat house in the area adjacent to the AC Mosque in H Block of Halishahar.

According to fire service sources, an explosion occurred in a flat on the third floor of a six-story building called ‘Halima Manzil’ around 4:30 am. The fire later spread to other parts of the building. Upon receiving information, fire service personnel reached the spot and brought the fire under control after about two hours of effort.

The burnt persons are: Shakhawat Hossain (46), Md. Shipon (30), Md. Sumon (40), Md. Shaon (17), Md. Anas (7), Umme Aimon (9), Ayesha Akhter (4), Pakhi Akhter (35) and Rani Akhter (40).

According to the burn unit, Shakhawat Hossain, Pakhi Akhter and Rani Akhter have completely burnt their airways. Md. Shipon has 80 percent of his airway damaged. Md. Sumon and Md. Shaon have about 45 percent of their bodies burnt.

Three children—Md. Anas, Umm Aiman, and Ayesha Akhter—have suffered burns over 20 to 25 percent of their bodies.

Alamgir Hossain, deputy assistant director of the Chittagong Fire Service, said that LPG cylinders were not used in the house; the gas connection was from the Karnaphuli Gas Distribution Company.

It is believed that the accident occurred when a gas leak from the stove exploded in the kitchen, causing everyone to be burned.