A devastating gas line explosion in the Halishahar area of Chattogram has claimed the lives of five members of the same family, deepening a tragedy that has cast a pall of grief over the neighbourhood. The latest victim, 49-year-old Sakhawat Hossain, succumbed to his injuries at 10:40 a.m. on Wednesday while undergoing treatment in the Intensive Care Unit of the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery.
Medical officials confirmed that Mr Hossain had sustained burns to 100 per cent of his body. Despite the highest level of critical care support, including ventilatory assistance and aggressive infection management, he could not be saved. Physicians explained that such extensive burns carry an exceptionally high risk of systemic infection and multi-organ failure, complications that ultimately proved fatal.
The explosion occurred at dawn on Monday in a third-floor flat of a six-storey residential building known as Halima Manzil, located adjacent to a local mosque in Halishahar’s H Block. Authorities believe the blast was triggered by an accumulation of gas in the kitchen, which ignited upon contact with a spark. The force of the explosion left nine family members severely burned.
Four other victims had died earlier. Nurjahan Akter Rani passed away on Monday evening while being transported to hospital. On Tuesday morning, her 16-year-old son Shawon died of his injuries. Later that afternoon, Samir Ahmed Sumon, aged 40, also succumbed. At approximately 10:45 p.m. the same night, 35-year-old Ashura Akter Pakhi breathed her last.
The remaining four injured relatives remain in critical condition, with large portions of their bodies burned. They are under constant observation, and doctors describe their prognosis as guarded.
Casualties at a Glance
| Name | Age | Relation to Family Head | Time of Death |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sakhawat Hossain | 49 | Family head | Wednesday morning |
| Nurjahan Akter Rani | Not specified | Wife | Monday evening |
| Shawon | 16 | Son | Tuesday morning |
| Samir Ahmed Sumon | 40 | Younger brother | Tuesday afternoon |
| Ashura Akter Pakhi | 35 | Sister-in-law | Tuesday night |
Initially, the injured were taken to a local hospital in Chattogram before being transferred to the specialised burn institute in the capital for advanced treatment.
Safety experts warn that gas accumulation in enclosed spaces can lead to catastrophic explosions from even a minor spark. They stress the importance of routinely checking gas line connections, ensuring proper ventilation before using cooking appliances, and immediately shutting off the main supply if the smell of gas is detected.
Local authorities have pledged a thorough investigation into the cause of the explosion and have assured residents that appropriate measures will be taken to prevent similar tragedies. Meanwhile, the bereaved family faces an uncertain and heart-rending future, as the community mourns an irreplaceable loss.