Two Die After Bhatara Gas Cylinder Explosion

Two members of the same family have died after suffering severe burn injuries in a gas cylinder explosion at a residential building in Dhaka’s Bhatara area, while another victim remains in critical condition.

The deceased have been identified as Anwar Hossain Shahin, 25, and his eight-year-old niece, Hafsa. Hafsa died on Friday morning while undergoing treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery. Anwar succumbed to his injuries late on Thursday night.

The deaths were confirmed by Dr Shawon Bin Rahman, Resident Surgeon at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery. According to the physician, Anwar had sustained burns to approximately 50 per cent of his body, while Hafsa suffered burns covering around 40 per cent.

The third victim, Anwar’s wife, Fahima Akter, remains in a critical condition. Doctors said she sustained burns to nearly 45 per cent of her body and is continuing to receive intensive care at the institute’s ICU.

The incident occurred in the early hours of Tuesday at a ground-floor flat in the Notun Bazar 100 Feet area under Bhatara Police Station in the capital. A fire broke out following an apparent gas cylinder explosion, leaving all three family members with serious burn injuries. They were rescued soon after the incident and taken to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, where they were admitted for emergency treatment.

Family members and local residents believe the accident may have been caused by gas leaking from a hole or defect in the cylinder before it came into contact with an ignition source, triggering the explosion. The exact cause of the incident has not been officially confirmed.

Anwar worked at a clothing shop in Dhaka. According to family members, he had married Fahima only six months ago, and the couple had recently moved into the rented flat in Bhatara. Hafsa had been visiting her uncle and aunt when the tragic accident occurred, turning what was meant to be a family visit into a devastating loss.

Burn specialists have long stressed the importance of proper handling and regular inspection of household gas cylinders and their accessories. Leaks, faulty regulators, damaged hoses, or improper installation can significantly increase the risk of fire and explosion. Experts also advise residents to avoid lighting matches, operating electrical switches, or using open flames if the smell of gas is detected, as even a small spark can ignite accumulated gas.

The Bhatara tragedy has once again highlighted the devastating consequences of domestic gas-related accidents, leaving one family mourning the loss of two loved ones while another member continues to fight for her life in hospital.