A tragic gas explosion in a residential building in Halishahar, Chattogram, has claimed another life, raising the death toll to two. The latest victim, 16-year-old Shawon, succumbed to his injuries after being admitted to the National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute in Dhaka for advanced medical care.
Shawon was transported from Chattogram to Dhaka on Monday, but despite intensive treatment, he passed away on Tuesday at 7 a.m. Dr Shawon bin Rahman, the resident surgeon at the institute, reported that the teenager had suffered burns over 50 per cent of his body and sustained damage to his respiratory tract. Currently, four other family members remain hospitalised and are receiving treatment for their injuries.
Earlier, 40-year-old Nur Jahan Akhtar Rani died while being transferred to Dhaka on Monday afternoon. She suffered catastrophic injuries, with 100 per cent burns over her body, and passed away in Comilla around 4:30 p.m.
The explosion occurred in the early hours of Monday at Halima Manzil, a six-storey building located adjacent to the AC Mosque in H Block, Halishahar. According to witnesses, the blast originated in the kitchen on the third floor, where a gas leak ignited, causing severe damage and injuring nine residents.
The injured include:
| Name | Age | Extent of Burns | Current Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shawon | 16 | 50% | Deceased (Tuesday, 7 a.m.) |
| Nur Jahan Akhtar Rani | 40 | 100% | Deceased (Monday, en route to Dhaka) |
| Shakhawat Hossain | 46 | 100% | Critical |
| Shipon | 30 | 45% | Under treatment |
| Suman | 40 | 20–25% | Stable |
| Anas | 7 | 20–25% | Stable |
| Aiman | 9 | 20–25% | Stable |
| Ayesha Akhtar | 4 | 20–25% | Stable |
| Pakhi Akhtar | 35 | 100% | Critical |
According to local authorities, the exact cause of the gas leak is under investigation, but preliminary reports suggest a malfunction in the kitchen’s gas connection. Neighbours described a loud explosion followed by a fire that engulfed the third floor, prompting immediate rescue operations.
Firefighters and emergency medical teams responded promptly, controlling the blaze and evacuating residents. However, the severity of the injuries among some victims highlights the urgent need for safety measures and gas handling awareness in densely populated urban areas.
This incident underscores the risks associated with household gas use and the devastating consequences of accidents in high-rise residential buildings. Families affected by such tragedies face prolonged medical treatment, emotional trauma, and economic hardship, emphasising the importance of preventive safety protocols.
