6 burnt as explosion sparked by 'gas leak' rocks Chandpur home during Sehri

Six members of a family have suffered severe burns after a suspected gas leak triggered an explosion at a home in Chandpur.

The incident took place during Sehri in the early hours of Sunday on the fourth floor of the house on Koralia Road.

Due to the severity of their injuries, four victims have been transferred to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka, while the remaining two are receiving treatment at Chandpur General Hospital.

Among the victims, Abdur Rahman Sardar, 65, his wife Shahnaj Begum, 55, their daughter-in-law Khadija Akter, 32, and their younger son, identified by a single name as Mohim, 14, are in critical condition and have been taken to Dhaka for advanced medical care, according to Dr Mahmudul Hasan, an on-duty physician at Chandpur Sadar Hospital.

Meanwhile, Abdur Rahman’s eldest son Imam Hossain Sardar, 32, and his middle son’s wife Diba Akter, 21, are receiving treatment at Chandpur General Hospital.

Family members suspect the explosion was caused by a gas leak.

Recounting the incident, Abdur Rahman’s nephew Shah Alam said, "The family woke up early for Sehri. When they tried to light the stove in the kitchen, there was a sudden explosion. The fire quickly spread, destroying kitchen appliances, furniture and bedding in several rooms."

"The six injured were rushed to the hospital, while neighbours helped put out the fire," he added.

Naznin Niha, who lives in an adjacent flat, described the terrifying moment, saying, "I woke up to a loud explosion. It felt like the entire building had collapsed."

Another neighbour, Rashida Begum, said that locals rushed in to rescue the injured and take them to the hospital.

Dr Mahmudul said that the four victims sent to Dhaka suffered burns on 50-60 percent of their bodies, while the two being treated in Chandpur had around 20 percent of their bodies burnt.