A severe gas explosion early on Monday morning at the Halima Manzil building in Halishahar, Chattogram, has left at least nine people with significant burn injuries. The blast occurred on the third floor of the six-storey building at approximately 5:00 am, spreading fire rapidly through the affected apartment. Four of the victims are in critical condition and have been transferred to Dhaka for advanced medical care.
Dr Rafiquddin Ahmed, head of the Burn Unit at Chattogram Medical College Hospital (ChMC), reported, “All patients sustained damage to their respiratory systems due to the explosion. Their conditions are precarious, so they have been referred to Dhaka for specialised treatment.” Relatives of the injured confirmed that they are being moved to the National Burn Institute in Dhaka for intensive care.
According to hospital sources, the extent of burns among the victims is as follows:
| Name | Age | Burn Percentage (%) | Patient Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shakhawat Hossain | 46 | 100 | Adult |
| Md. Shipon | 30 | 100 | Adult |
| Md. Sumon | 40 | 100 | Adult |
| Md. Shawon | 17 | 80 | Adult |
| Md. Anas | 7 | 25 | Child |
| Md. Aiman | 9 | 20 | Child |
| Ayesha Akter | 4 | 25 | Child |
| Pakhi Akter | 35 | 45 | Adult |
| Rani Akter | 40 | 45 | Adult |
Medical professionals note that burns exceeding 15% of the body surface in adults and 10% in children are considered critical. Consequently, all nine victims are likely to require intensive care unit (ICU) monitoring.
Local reports indicate that Halima Manzil is a six-storey structure. The explosion originated from the third-floor apartment and quickly spread to nearby areas. Neighbours and residents rescued the injured and rushed them to ChMC Hospital, after which two fire service units brought the blaze under control. The second, fourth, and fifth-floor doors were damaged, and the building’s lift was rendered inoperative.
Alamgir Hossain, Deputy Assistant of Chattogram Fire Service, clarified that the explosion did not involve an LPG cylinder. Instead, a gas leak from the Karnaphuli Gas Distribution Company pipeline in the building’s kitchen accumulated and ignited, triggering the blast.
Authorities and the fire service are now conducting urgent repairs on the damaged building and reinforcing safety measures for the remaining floors. Residents have been warned to exercise extreme caution when using gas connections, particularly in older buildings.
This incident serves as a stark reminder for Chattogram residents about the critical importance of fire safety and secure gas connections, highlighting the risks posed by ageing infrastructure and unattended leaks.
