The death toll from a gas leak explosion in the Halishahar area of Chattogram has risen to five. The latest victim, Md. Shakhawat Hossain (49), passed away at 10:40 AM on Wednesday (February 25) while undergoing treatment.
Dr. Shaon Bin Rahman, a resident physician at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka, confirmed that Shakhawat had suffered 100% burns and severe damage to his respiratory tract.
The tragic incident has already claimed the lives of four other family members: Ashura Akhter Pakhi, Nurjahan Akhter, her son Shaon, and brother-in-law Sumon.
Four other family members remain hospitalized at the Burn Institute. Medical staff described their condition as critical.
The fire broke out on Monday (February 23) night at a residence in Halishahar, triggered by accumulated gas from a leak. Nine members of the same family sustained severe burns. They were initially treated at a local hospital before being rushed to Dhaka for specialized care.
Authorities have launched two separate investigations into the incident. The Chattogram Fire Service and Civil Defence formed a five-member committee to determine the cause of the blast. Additionally, the Karnaphuli Gas Distribution Company Limited (KGDCL) has established a three-member probe team to investigate the leak.
