Gas Explosion Injures Ten in Dhaka Residential Building

A devastating gas explosion in Dhaka’s Kamarpur area has left ten members of the same family severely burned, including women and children. The blast, caused by a suspected leak in a residential gas pipeline, occurred early Friday morning (6 March) and has sparked widespread concern over gas safety in the city’s densely populated neighbourhoods.

Incident Details

The explosion took place on the second floor of a building owned by Abul Kalam, adjacent to a residential home on Cemetery Road in Sector 10, Uttara. The force of the blast was so severe that walls on both the ground and second floors were destroyed, leaving debris scattered across the building. Neighbours immediately rushed to rescue the victims and transported them to the National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute for urgent treatment. Several victims are reported to be in critical condition.

Family sources indicated that Enayet, a relative returning from Dubai, had come to visit with his family from Shibchar, Madaripur. The morning began as a routine visit but ended in tragedy when accumulated gas in the apartment ignited.

Victims

The ten injured include the following family members:

Eyewitness Accounts

Sajed Matubber, a fourth-floor resident and relative of the victims, described the scene:

“Suddenly, a loud explosion shook the entire building. When I rushed outside, the second-floor apartment was in ruins. Furniture was destroyed, walls had collapsed, and all ten people inside were engulfed in flames.”

Authorities suspect that gas had accumulated overnight due to a pipeline leak, and the explosion was triggered when someone attempted to light a flame. What was meant to be a joyful family visit turned into a horrific accident.

Medical Response

Dr. Shawon Bin Rahman, a resident surgeon at the National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute, reported that all ten victims are currently under intensive observation:

“Patients are receiving dressing and initial assessments. We are monitoring them closely, especially the child and the pregnant woman. The extent of their burns is still being evaluated, and detailed treatment plans will follow.”

Doctors are exercising extreme caution given the presence of vulnerable patients, including children and a pregnant woman.

Investigation Underway

Authorities from Titas Gas and the Fire Service have visited the site to investigate the precise cause of the explosion. Initial assessments suggest a gas leak, but a full inquiry is ongoing to determine if any safety violations or equipment failures contributed to the tragedy.

The incident has raised alarm among local residents about the safety of gas pipelines in residential buildings, particularly in areas with older infrastructure and high occupancy.

Summary of Incident

The blast has left the community shaken, and residents are calling for stricter safety measures to prevent future accidents. Officials have assured that the cause of the explosion will be thoroughly investigated and that corrective action will follow to ensure gas safety standards are upheld.