Three people, including a woman, sustained burns in an air conditioning explosion at a multi-storey building in Narinda, Old Dhaka, late on Thursday night. The injured were swiftly taken to the National Burn Institute for medical treatment.
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Incident Details
According to the Fire Service headquarters control room, the explosion occurred around midnight on 26 February on the third floor of a commercial-residential building. The blast caused a small fire, which was quickly extinguished before fire crews arrived.
Witnesses described hearing a loud bang, followed by sparks and smoke. Residents immediately rushed to assist those affected. The identities of the injured were initially unknown, but hospital sources later confirmed that three individuals, including one woman, were admitted and are currently under observation. The extent of their injuries has been described as moderate, and doctors are providing continuous treatment.
Fire Service officials emphasised that rapid action by local residents prevented the fire from spreading further. “Fortunately, the blaze was contained quickly,” said a senior officer. “This incident highlights the importance of regular maintenance of electrical appliances, particularly in densely populated areas like Old Dhaka, to prevent similar accidents.”
Rescue and Response
Local residents played a critical role in evacuating the victims before the arrival of the fire service. The injured were transported promptly to the National Burn Institute. Authorities are now investigating the exact cause of the explosion, with preliminary indications pointing to a possible electrical fault in the air conditioning unit.
Timeline of Events
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 26 Feb, ~12:00 am | AC unit explodes on the third floor of Narinda building |
| Immediately after | Small fire ignites; neighbours rush to assist victims |
| ~12:10 am | Fire Service team dispatched to site |
| ~12:15 am | Fire self-extinguishes; fire team arrives |
| ~12:30 am | Injured taken to National Burn Institute for treatment |
Safety Advisory
Fire Service officials have urged building owners and residents to inspect and maintain their air conditioning units regularly. They advised checking electrical connections, ensuring proper grounding, and replacing worn-out components. Residents are also urged to remain vigilant for unusual sounds or smells emanating from electrical appliances and to act promptly if detected.
The incident underscores the potential dangers of ageing or poorly maintained electrical equipment in urban environments. While the quick response prevented a larger disaster, it serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance and routine appliance inspections to avoid life-threatening accidents in high-density areas.