Deadly Halishahar blast ‘not caused by gas leak’ as probe finds other causes

Investigators point to damaged car AC compressors, chemical drums and batteries inside the flat

A deadly explosion that ripped through a residential flat in Chattogram’s Halishahar, killing six members of a family, has not been caused by a gas leak, according to investigators.

The findings emerged in a report by a four-member probe committee formed by Karnaphuli Gas Distribution Company Limited (KGDCL) following the Feb 23 pre-dawn blast at Halima Manzil, a six-storey building in Block H.

The explosion occurred in a third-floor flat and was followed by a fire.

Nine members of a family suffered severe burn injuries in the incident.

Six later died while undergoing treatment at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka.

Initial assessments by different agencies had suggested a gas leak as the likely cause.

Separate probe bodies were formed by KGDCL and the Fire Service and Civil Defence.

The KGDCL committee has recently submitted its report.

Committee chief and KGDCL North Distribution Division Deputy General Manager Md Rafiq Khan said, “We have submitted our report to the managing director. It outlines the causes of the explosion and recommendations for prevention.”

However, a probe official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said: “We found no signs that a gas line leak caused the explosion.”

He said inspection of the scene showed no fire damage to kitchen components such as the stove, knobs, rear valve or plastic fittings.

“If the blast had been caused by gas leakage, the kitchen fixtures would have been damaged. Based on the condition of the kitchen window and ventilation, we believe no gas leak occurred.”

When asked about the source of the fire, he added: “The tenant owns a motor garage. We found car AC compressors, drums filled with chemicals used for vehicle painting, and car batteries inside the flat -- all of which were damaged.

“The fire may have originated from faulty electrical connections or ignition involving these materials.”

Three children -- Umme Ayman, 10, Farhan, 6, and Ayesha, 4, who were identified by single names -- remain hospitalised in Dhaka.