Three of a family burnt in Bhatara gas leak fire

Three members of the same family have been seriously burnt in a fire caused by a gas leak in the New Market area of Dhaka's Bhatara police station. They were rescued and admitted to the National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute, where their condition remains critical.

The accident occurred around 4am on Tuesday (July 21) at a flat on the ground floor of a six-storey building on 100 Feet Road in New Market. The burnt victims are Shahin (24), his wife Fahima Akhter (21) and Shahin's eight-year-old niece Hafsa Akhter.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the flat had a Titas Gas connection. It is believed that gas had accumulated inside the room due to a leak from the gas pipe or connection point during the night. In the morning, when the stove was lit for cooking or another ignition source produced a spark, an explosion occurred instantly, spreading fire throughout the area, burning the three family members.

They were quickly rescued by relatives and locals and taken to the National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute.

Dr Shaon Bin Rahman, Resident Surgeon at the Institute, said Shahin has suffered burns on approximately 50 percent of his body, Fahima Akhter on 45 percent, and Hafsa Akhter on 40 percent. They are being kept under close observation and are in critical condition.

The concerned authorities are investigating the incident to confirm the exact cause. Preliminary indications suggest the explosion and fire originated from the gas leak.