7 of a family among 8 burnt in explosion caused by 'gas leak' in Agargaon

Eight people, including seven members of a family, suffered burn injuries in an explosion caused by a suspected gas line leakage at a tin-shed house in Agargaon early today.

The incident occurred around 4:30am at a government quarter on Paka Market Road. The injured were taken to the burn unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) after the explosion.

The injured are Md Abdul Jalil Mia, 50; his wife Arneeza Begum, 40; their sons Asif, 19, and Sakib, 16; Asif's wife Monira, 17; their granddaughters Eva, 6, and Isha, 6; and their neighbour Firozul Alam, 35.

Dr Harunur Rashid, resident surgeon of the burn unit at DMCH, said Firozul suffered burns on 21 percent of his body, Jalil suffered burns on 12 percent of his body, while Arneeza sustained 10 percent burns. Others received burns on their hands and legs. The eight-month pregnant woman also suffered burns on her hands and legs; she has been treated and referred to the gynaecology department.

Firozul, Jalil and Arneeza have been admitted to the burn unit, while the others were given primary treatment and placed under observation in the ward.

Arfan Mia, son-in-law of Jalil and the one who brought the victims to the hospital, said the seven family members were sleeping in adjoining rooms of their tin-shed house at night. Early in the morning, Jalil's wife Arneeza went to the kitchen to cook. As soon as she lit a match, a powerful explosion occurred inside the tin-shed house, leaving all seven critically burnt.

He said he and his wife, Joniva Akter, were in a nearby room. Their two daughters, Eva and Isha, were staying in their grandfather's room. Asif's wife Monira is eight months pregnant.

Hearing their screams, neighbours came forward and helped rescue the injured before taking them to DMCH. He claimed the fire and explosion were triggered by gas leakage inside the house.

Meanwhile, injured Asif said they live in the government quarters as tenants. For the past one and a half months, they had been smelling gas inside the house. Despite repeatedly informing the landlord, no action was taken.