Two garment workers succumb to burns after Cumilla factory short-circuit

A third victim, a welder, remains hospitalised in Dhaka with life-threatening injuries

Two readymade garment workers have died from burn injuries, while another remains in critical condition after a short-circuit at a factory in Cumilla’s Chauddagram Upazila.

The victims were undergoing treatment at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka when they succumbed to their injuries on May Day and the day before, confirmed Chauddagram Upazila Administrator Md Nurul Amin.

The dead were identified as Ekram Hossain, 35, a boiler operator and electrician, and Sahadat Hossain, 50, a security guard.

The third victim, Robiul Hossain, who works as a welder, remains hospitalised in Dhaka with life-threatening injuries.

The short-circuit was reported around 8am on Wednesday at Amir Shirts Limited.

"The incident happened just as Ekram was turning on the main power switch of the garment unit. Sparks and heavy smoke erupted instantly, injuring the three men standing nearby," said Ekramul Haque, senior principal officer of the factory.

Following the blast, coworkers rushed the trio to Cumilla Medical College Hospital, from where they were later transferred to the capital for specialised care.

Factory management has pledged to provide compensation in accordance with company policy and BGMEA regulations.

Ekramul added that the company would also take responsibility for the education of the victims' children and provide long-term assistance to the families.