Dhaka, 31 January 2026 — Eight employees were injured in a gas cylinder explosion at the Pasta Club restaurant in the Wari area of Dhaka on Friday night at approximately 10:15 pm. Among the injured, one is reported to be in critical condition, while the remaining seven have sustained varying degrees of burns.
The explosion occurred in the restaurant’s kitchen on the third floor. The force of the blast, accompanied by a rapidly spreading fire, caused panic among the staff. Emergency responders quickly transported the injured to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) for treatment.
The injured include the restaurant’s cashier, Shah Alam (45), and seven staff members: Yunus (30), Sorav (25), Mehedi (25), Mostofa (27), Abir (22), Jasim (28), and Kamrul (20).
Condition of Injured at Dhaka Medical College Hospital
| Name | Age | Position | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shah Alam | 45 | Cashier | Critical |
| Yunus | 30 | Staff | Stable |
| Sorav | 25 | Staff | Stable |
| Mehedi | 25 | Staff | Stable |
| Mostofa | 27 | Staff | Stable |
| Abir | 22 | Staff | Stable |
| Jasim | 28 | Staff | Stable |
| Kamrul | 20 | Staff | Stable |
Dr Harunur Rashid, Resident Surgeon at DMCH’s Burn Unit, stated that two patients were admitted directly to the emergency department, while the remaining six are under intensive observation in the burn unit. He confirmed that, “Overall, the condition of most patients is stable, but continuous treatment is ongoing for the patient in critical condition.”
Eyewitnesses reported that the restaurant was relatively empty at the time of the incident, which likely prevented casualties. Nevertheless, the explosion and ensuing smoke spread to neighbouring shops, causing widespread panic in the area.
DMCH official Yusuf Sheikh assured that all necessary medical care is being provided and safety measures for the patients have been enforced. He added that authorities will investigate whether the restaurant complied with all safety protocols.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the blast may have been caused by a faulty connection or improper handling of the gas cylinder. Local authorities have inspected the site and instructed restaurant owners to strengthen future safety measures.
This incident has reignited concerns over gas safety in Dhaka’s commercial kitchens and underscores the urgent need for strict adherence to safety regulations to prevent similar accidents in the future.