A catastrophic gas explosion in Dhaka’s Kamarpur neighbourhood has left ten members of the same family severely burned, including women and children. The blast, reportedly caused by a leak in a residential gas pipeline, occurred early Friday morning (6 March) and has reignited concerns over the safety of gas infrastructure in the city’s densely populated areas.
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Explosion Details
The incident took place on the second floor of a building owned by Abul Kalam, adjacent to a residence on Cemetery Road in Sector 10, Uttara. The force of the explosion was so intense that walls on both the ground and second floors collapsed, leaving furniture and debris scattered throughout the apartment. Neighbours acted swiftly to rescue the victims and transported them to the National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute, where several are reported to be in critical condition.
Family members explained that Enayet, a relative recently returning from Dubai, had come to visit with his family from Shibchar, Madaripur. The morning’s visit, intended as a celebratory family reunion, ended in tragedy when accumulated gas inside the apartment ignited.
Victims
The ten injured family members include:
| Name | Age | Relation | Condition / Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rubel | 30 | Motorcycle rider | Severely burned |
| Sonia Akter | 25 | Rubel’s pregnant wife | Critical condition |
| Roza | 3 | Rubel’s daughter | Burns sustained |
| Ria | 27 | Sonia’s elder sister | Injured |
| Enayet | 32 | Rubel’s cousin | Recent returnee from Dubai |
| Delara | 28 | Enayet’s wife | Injured |
| Junayed | 10 | Enayet’s son | Child victim |
| Habib | 30 | Enayet’s younger brother | Injured |
| Ayesha | 19 | Niece | Burns sustained |
| Rubel (another) | 35 | Relative | Injured |
Eyewitness Accounts
Sajed Matubber, a fourth-floor resident and relative of the victims, described the scene:
“Suddenly, a loud explosion shook the entire building. When I rushed outside, the second-floor apartment was in ruins. Furniture was destroyed, walls had collapsed, and all ten people inside were engulfed in flames.”
Authorities suspect that gas had accumulated overnight due to a leak in the pipeline, and the explosion was triggered when a flame was inadvertently introduced. A routine family visit turned into a horrific accident.
Medical Response
Dr. Shawon Bin Rahman, resident surgeon at the National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute, said:
“All ten patients are under intensive observation. Dressing and initial assessments are ongoing. Given that the victims include a child and a pregnant woman, we are taking extra precautions. The full extent of their burns will be determined before detailed treatment plans are implemented.”
Investigation Underway
Officials from Titas Gas and the Fire Service have visited the site to determine the precise cause of the explosion. While a gas leak is suspected, investigators are examining whether equipment failure or negligence contributed to the tragedy.
The incident has heightened alarm among residents in Kamarpur, prompting calls for stricter safety measures in residential buildings, particularly in areas with older gas infrastructure and high occupancy.
Incident Summary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | 6 March, early morning |
| Location | Second floor, Abul Kalam’s building, Kamarpur, Sector 10, Uttara, Dhaka |
| Cause | Suspected gas leak |
| Casualties | 10 injured (including women and children) |
| Medical Facility | National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute |
| Current Status | Intensive treatment; several in critical condition |
| Authorities Involved | Titas Gas, Fire Service, hospital staff |
The explosion has left the local community deeply shaken. Officials have assured that a full investigation will be conducted to identify the cause and enforce corrective measures, aiming to prevent similar disasters in the future.