Gas Cylinder Explosion Burns Eight at a Restaurant in Wari

Dhaka, 31 January 2026: Eight staff members were injured in a gas cylinder explosion at the ‘Pasta Club’ restaurant in the Wari area of Dhaka on Friday night at approximately 10:15 PM. One of the victims sustained critical injuries, while the others suffered varying degrees of burns.

The explosion occurred in the restaurant’s third-floor kitchen, where the force of the blast and ensuing flames spread rapidly, causing panic among the staff. Emergency responders quickly evacuated the injured to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) for treatment.

Among those affected are the restaurant’s cashier, Shah Alam, 45, and employees Yunus, 30; Sourav, 25; Mehedi, 25; Mostofa, 27; Abir, 22; Josim, 28; and Kamrul, 20. Each sustained different levels of burn injuries.

Patient Details at DMCH:

Dr Harunur Rashid, resident surgeon at DMCH’s Burn Unit, confirmed that two of the victims were admitted to the emergency department, while the remaining six are under close observation in the burn unit. He stated, “The patients’ conditions are stable overall, although immediate treatment continues for the critically injured individual.”

Local witnesses reported that the restaurant was not crowded at the time of the incident, which helped prevent any fatalities. Nevertheless, the explosion and smoke spread to neighbouring shops, creating widespread alarm in the area.

Yusuf Sheikh, an official at DMCH, assured that all necessary medical care is being provided and that patient safety measures are in place. He added that authorities would investigate whether the restaurant’s safety protocols were being adequately followed.

Preliminary investigations suggest that a fault in the gas cylinder connection or negligence in handling may have triggered the explosion. Local authorities visited the scene and instructed restaurant owners to strengthen safety measures to prevent similar accidents in the future.

The incident highlights ongoing concerns about gas safety in commercial kitchens across the city, emphasising the need for strict adherence to safety regulations.