Death Toll Rises to 5 in Chattogram Gas Explosion

Another member of the family injured in the devastating gas explosion in Halishahar, Chattogram, has died. The head of the household, Sakhawat Hossain, died on Wednesday morning while undergoing treatment at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka. One hundred percent of his body had been burned. With his death, the number of fatalities from the same family has risen to five.

The explosion occurred early Monday morning in a flat on the third floor of a six-storey building named “Halima Manzil” in H Block of Halishahar. The Fire Service initially suspects that the explosion occurred when accumulated gas in the kitchen ignited as the stove was lit. Immediately after the explosion, a fire broke out and nine members of the family sustained burn injuries. They were having sehri at the time.

On the first day, Sakhawat’s wife, Nurjahan Akter Rani, died on the way to Dhaka. The following morning, their son Shawon died. On the same day at noon, Sakhawat’s younger brother Samir Ahmed died, and later that night Samir’s wife Ashura Akter Pakhi also passed away. With Sakhawat’s death on Wednesday morning, the family’s grief has deepened further.

Still undergoing treatment are Sakhawat’s daughter Umme Aiman Snigdha (10), Samir’s two children Ayesha (4) and Farhan Ahmed Anas (6), and Sakhawat’s other brother Shipon Hossain (31). Large portions of their bodies have been burned, and doctors have described their condition as critical.

Neighbors said that immediately after the explosion, the family members came out of the house one by one with severe burn injuries. They were first taken to Chattogram Medical College Hospital and later transferred to Dhaka for advanced treatment.

Sakhawat Hossain, a garage owner by profession, had rented the flat about one and a half years ago. He lived there with his wife, children, and employees. A few days ago, his younger brother had come with his family for medical treatment and was staying at the flat.

The Fire Service has stated that two investigation committees have been formed to determine the cause of the explosion. It is initially believed that the accident occurred due to gas accumulation in the kitchen.