Gas explosions are rising, killing people and destroying families

Over the last few years, a horrifying rise in gas leak-related explosions has claimed many lives and destroyed families. On February 23, six members of a family died in a fire caused by a gas pipe leak in their home in Chattogram. Three children, aged between four and 10, survived but sustained burns on over 40 percent of their bodies. On the same day, four members of another family, including a three-year-old, suffered severe burns from a fire reportedly triggered by a gas leak in Dhaka. A report by The Daily Star found that half of the victims of similar accidents treated at the burn institute in Dhaka had burns covering 20 to 100 percent of their bodies, significantly reducing their chances of survival.

Blasts usually occur when gas leaking from pipes or stoves accumulates in a closed space with poor ventilation. Fire officials and experts blame both the negligence of gas suppliers and the lack of awareness among users. Fire service data show that gas cylinder-related fires are on the rise, with 920 incidents last year, up from 702 in 2024. Fire incidents related to gas pipe leaks increased to 562 last year, from 465 in 2024. Even tiny leaks in a pipeline or a loose LPG cylinder regulator can allow gas to build-up, leading to a deadly fire. Gas can also accumulate in sewerage lines or septic tanks. Given that around one crore consumers rely on gas cylinders and 38 lakh households use pipeline gas, it is unfathomable why successive governments have been so negligent in this regard.

Major gas explosions linked to Titas Gas pipelines have also occurred. In 2020, one such explosion in a mosque in Narayanganj caused at least 34 deaths. Another, in the capital’s Moghbazar in 2021, left 12 people dead and 50 others injured. It was reportedly caused by large accumulations of methane gas from leaks in the pipeline and sewerage lines inside the building.

Given the increasing frequency and severity of such incidents, we urge the government to properly adopt the measures advocated by experts. Beyond regular monitoring of all gas lines and cylinder connections, other precautionary steps must be taken seriously by both the authorities and ordinary users. The authorities should conduct regular inspections to detect faults in pipelines. Widespread awareness campaigns are also needed. Users must understand that kitchens should have an open window or door to allow leaked gas to disperse. Gas stoves must always be turned off after use, especially before going to bed. Septic tanks must be regularly cleaned to ensure proper ventilation. Gas detectors can also be installed in homes and offices. These steps are vital to ensure safety.