Three members of the same family sustained burn injuries after a gas leak triggered an explosion and fire in their kitchen in Mudafa Masterpara, Tongi, Gazipur, early on Wednesday.
The injured were identified as Lalchan Mia, 60, his wife, Nasima Begum, 50, and their 16-year-old daughter, Tanisha. They were taken to the Burn and Plastic Surgery Unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital for treatment. Their condition was reported to be critical.
According to local residents, the incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, 21 October, when the family was preparing to cook. An explosion reportedly occurred as they attempted to light the gas stove, causing flames to spread throughout the kitchen. All three family members sustained burn injuries in the incident.
Hearing their cries for help, neighbours rushed to the scene and helped rescue the injured. They subsequently arranged for the family members to be taken to hospital for medical attention.
Mohammad Shaheen Alam, senior station officer at the Tongi Fire Service and Civil Defence Station, said two fire service units were dispatched after reports of an explosion caused by a gas leak.
However, the fire had been brought under control before the units reached the scene. Local residents informed the fire service that three members of the family had suffered burn injuries.
Mohammad Arifur Rahman, officer-in-charge of Tongi West Police Station, said the explosion occurred in the kitchen while the family was preparing to cook. He attributed the incident to a gas leak from the cylinder and confirmed that three members of the same family had been injured.
Police were sent to the scene following the incident. Further details regarding the exact circumstances of the explosion and the extent of the damage were not immediately available.
Gas Safety Remains a Major Concern in Households
Gas cylinders are widely used for cooking in homes across Bangladesh, but leaks can pose serious risks, particularly when gas accumulates in an enclosed space. If a stove is lit in an area where leaked gas has built up, it can trigger a fire or explosion.
Safety experts generally advise households to inspect gas cylinders, regulators, connecting pipes and valves regularly to identify leaks or damaged components. If the smell of gas is detected, residents should avoid lighting matches, operating electrical switches or using other potential sources of ignition. They should leave the affected area, allow ventilation where it is safe to do so and seek assistance from the fire service.
The incident in Tongi once again highlights the potential dangers associated with gas leaks in residential buildings. While initial reports point to a leak from the cylinder, the precise cause of the explosion and further details about the injured family members’ condition remain to be confirmed.
