Nine Critically Injured in Chattogram Gas Explosion

Nine people, including a child, sustained severe burn injuries following a gas explosion at a residence in the Halishahar area of Chattogram early Monday.

The incident occurred around 4:30 AM on the third floor of 'Halima Manzil,' a six-story building in H-Block. Fire service units responded to the scene and spent two hours bringing the resulting fire under control. Local residents rescued the victims and rushed them to the hospital before authorities arrived.

Alamgir Hossain, Deputy Assistant Director of the Divisional Fire Service, stated that the building uses a piped gas connection from Karnaphuli Gas Distribution Company rather than LPG cylinders. Preliminary investigations suggest that gas leaked from a stove and accumulated in the kitchen overnight, leading to the explosion.

The victims are currently undergoing treatment at the Chittagong Medical College (CMC) Hospital. Dr. Rafiq Uddin Ahmed, head of the CMC burn unit, reported that all nine patients are in critical condition, as the blast caused significant damage to their respiratory systems.

Hospital sources confirmed that three victims—identified as Rani, Pakhi, and Sakhawat—suffered 100% burns. Others sustained burns ranging from 20% to 80% of their bodies.