9 critically injured in suspected kitchen gas blast in Chattogram

Fire Service officials say accumulated gas ignited in a kitchen, leaving the victims hospitalised in critical condition

Nine people, including a child, have been critically injured in a suspected gas explosion at a residential building in Chattogram’s Halishahar.

The incident occurred early on Monday morning at Halima Manzil in Block H of Halishahar, where accumulated gas in a kitchen on the third floor of a six-storey building reportedly triggered an explosion at dawn, according to the Fire Service.

“Gas that had built up in the kitchen exploded, leaving several people, including women and a child, burnt,” the Fire Service control room said.

The injured were rushed to Chattogram Medical College Hospital.

Dr Rafiquddin Ahmed, head of the hospital’s burn unit, said that all nine patients were in critical condition.

“All of them have suffered respiratory injuries. Their condition is critical,” he said.

Hospital officials said two women, identified by single names as Rani and Pakhi, and a man named Sakhawat suffered 100 percent burns. One patient sustained 80 percent burns, another 45 percent, while the remaining victims suffered burns covering 20 to 25 percent of their bodies.