Mysterious explosion in Barishal sand sack, 3 including child burnt

Three people, including a child, sustained burn injuries after a mysterious explosion in a sand-filled sack kept beside a house in Bisharkandi village of Bakerganj upazila in Barishal. The incident took place on Monday (August 3) morning in the Bhorpasha Union of the upazila. The injured were first taken to Bakerganj Upazila Health Complex, and later shifted to Barishal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment.

The injured are Hanufa Begum, wife of house owner Shah Alam Hawlader, her daughter Iti Akhter, 18, and grandson Fahim, 15.

Family members said a loud explosion occurred around 7am from a sand-filled sack kept beside the house. After the explosion, fire caught the bodies of the three, prompting them to jump into the nearby Tulatla River to try to extinguish the flames. Locals later rescued them and took them to hospital.

Neighbours said hearing the loud sound, they came out and learned about the explosion. However, no one could confirm what caused the explosion or what type of object had exploded.

Barishal Superintendent of Police A Z M Mustafizur Rahman said it is not yet confirmed what type of explosive caused the incident. Whether there are any other explosives at the scene is also being checked. The bomb disposal unit from Dhaka has been informed and will arrive at the scene to assist in the investigation. He said the matter is being investigated seriously and there is no reason to panic.

Following the incident, RAB, police's Detective Branch (DB) and senior police officials have cordoned off the area and begun an investigation.