Three Injured in Old Dhaka AC Explosion

Three people, including a woman, were injured in an air conditioning explosion at a multi-storey building in Narinda, Old Dhaka, on Thursday night. The victims were immediately taken to the National Burn Institute for treatment.

Incident Details

According to the Fire Service headquarters control room, the explosion occurred at around midnight on Thursday, 26 February, on the third floor of a commercial-residential building. The force of the blast caused a small fire, which was quickly extinguished before the arrival of fire crews.

Witnesses reported hearing a loud bang, followed by smoke and sparks emerging from the air conditioning unit. Neighbours and passersby rushed to assist the victims, who had sustained burns of varying degrees. The identities of the injured were initially unknown, but hospital sources later confirmed that three individuals, including one woman, were being treated and their condition was stable.

Fire Service officials emphasised that the fire had largely been contained by the time their team reached the building, preventing a larger blaze. “Fortunately, the fire did not spread to other parts of the building,” said a Fire Service officer. “However, this incident underlines the need for regular maintenance of electrical appliances, especially in densely populated urban areas like Old Dhaka.”

Response and Medical Care

Local residents played a key role in rescuing the victims before the fire service arrived. The injured were transported to the National Burn Institute, where doctors have begun treatment for their burns and are monitoring their recovery closely. Authorities are investigating the cause of the explosion, with initial reports suggesting a possible electrical fault in the air conditioning unit.

Timeline of Events

Safety Advisory

Fire Service officials have urged building owners and residents to inspect and maintain air conditioning units regularly. They advised checking electrical connections, ensuring proper grounding, and replacing worn-out components to prevent similar accidents in the future.

The incident highlights the risks posed by ageing electrical appliances in densely populated urban environments. Local authorities have assured that a full investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the explosion and to prevent future occurrences.