Gas explosion in Siddhirganj: Death toll rises to 6

The death toll from a devastating gas explosion in Siddhirganj has climbed to six, following the deaths of two more victims who had been undergoing treatment at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery.

Salma Begum, 30, succumbed to her injuries around 10:00 AM on Friday, while 17-year-old Tanzila Akhter Tisha passed away at approximately 12:00 PM. Both had sustained severe burns in the blast and were receiving intensive care.

Dr. Sultan Mahmud Shikder, the residential surgeon at the institute, confirmed the fatalities.

The explosion occurred in the early hours of last Friday, around 3:30 AM, at a tin-roofed house owned by Zakir Khandaker in the Purba Painadi area. According to officials, the blast was triggered by a leak in the Titas gas line, resulting in a massive fire.

Nine people, including women and children, suffered burn injuries as the explosion ripped through two adjacent rooms in the residence.