Gas explosion burns 9 family members during sehri in Ctg

Nine members of the same family, including three children, suffered severe burns when a loud explosion triggered a fire in their flat in Halishahar, Chattogram, during sehri. Neighbours described seeing the victims rushing out of their apartment with their bodies on fire.

The incident occurred at 4:31 am on Monday in a third-floor flat of 'Halim Mansion' in Halishahar H Block. The family was having sehri at the time.

The injured are Ayesha, 4; Anash, 7; Aiman, 10; Shaown, 17; Sakhawat, 46; Shipon, 32; Sumon, 40; Rani, 40; and Pakhi, 35.

Garage owner Sakhawat Hossain rented the flat a year and a half ago and lived there with his wife and two children. His younger brother's family had recently come for medical treatment and was staying with them.

The victims were first admitted to Chattogram Medical College Hospital's burn unit. Chief Burn Unit Physician Rafiq Uddin Ahmed said all victims suffered respiratory tract damage and their condition is critical.

Burn Unit Registrar Ashfaqul Atiq informed that all nine were sent to Dhaka for advanced treatment on Monday afternoon.

According to doctors, Rani, Pakhi and Sakhawat suffered 100 per cent burns. Shipon suffered 80 per cent, Sumon and Shaown 45 per cent, Aiman and Anash 25 per cent, and Ayesha 20 per cent burns.

Chattogram Fire Service (Zone-1) Assistant Director Alamgir Hossain said initial investigation suggests gas had accumulated in the kitchen. The explosion occurred when a fire was lit on the stove.