10 injured in Uttara gas explosion

Ten people, including women and children, have suffered burn injuries in a gas explosion at a house in Dhaka’s Uttara.

The explosion occurred around 4am on Friday at a building on the Bamnartek Graveyard Road in the Kamarpara area, said Mahmudul, a sub-inspector of Turag Police Station.

“The explosion took place on the first floor of the building. We suspect it was caused by a gas leak,” he said.

All 10 victims were taken to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery around 5am, said Shawon Bin Rahman, an assistant professor at the hospital.

The injured are Rubel, 27, his wife Sonia Akhter, 24, their 3-year-old daughter Roza, Sonia’s sister Riya Akhter, 25, Rubel’s cousin Enayet Ali, 30, Enayet’s wife Dulara Khatun, 28, their son Junayed, 13, Enayet’s brother Md Habib, 35, Enayet’s niece Ayesha Akhter, 18, and Abu Kalam Rubel, 35.

Doctors said Sonia suffered burns to 100 percent of her body, while Rubel had 32 percent of his body burnt. Enayet suffered burns to 45 percent of his body, and Roza to 18 percent. Others suffered burns ranging between 7 and 32 percent.

Sazed Matabbar, a neighbour and Enayet’s nephew, said Rubel lives on the second floor of the building with his family and works as a motorcycle ride-sharing driver.

Enayet, who works in Dubai, had returned home a few days ago and came with his family from their village home in Shibchar Upazila of Madaripur to visit Rubel.

“There was a blast on the first floor early in the morning. We heard a loud bang and rushed over,” Sazed said.

“When we arrived, parts of the ground floor and the first floor walls had collapsed.”