Twelve individuals suffered burn injuries following a sudden gas explosion at the canteen of the Narayanganj-based power facility in Sonargaon on Wednesday afternoon, in an incident that has raised fresh concerns over industrial safety standards.
According to initial reports, the explosion occurred at approximately 1:00 pm inside the staff canteen of the Meghnaghat Power Plant after a suspected gas leak triggered a powerful blast. Employees were reportedly taking their lunch in a buffet-style arrangement when the incident took place, causing sudden panic and chaos across the premises.
Witnesses described a loud explosion followed by flames rapidly spreading within the confined space of the canteen. At least twelve workers sustained burn injuries affecting the face, arms, and legs before colleagues and emergency responders rushed them to safety. The injured were subsequently transferred to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery in Dhaka for specialised treatment.
Medical officials confirmed that all twelve patients were admitted shortly after the incident. Doctors have initiated urgent assessments to determine the extent and severity of the burns, although detailed medical evaluations were still underway at the time of reporting.
List of injured victims
| Name | Age |
|---|---|
| Nazmul Sheikh | 40 |
| Saiful Islam | 30 |
| Ramizul | 45 |
| Amir | 25 |
| Shankar | 25 |
| Kausar | 30 |
| Tuhin Sheikh | 30 |
| Monir Hossain | 45 |
| Al Amin | 40 |
| Osman Goni | 30 |
| Suprabhat Ghosh | 42 |
| Badrul Haider | 50 |
Colleagues of the victims reported that the canteen was operating normally prior to the blast, with no immediate warning signs of danger. The sudden nature of the explosion suggests a possible leakage in the gas supply line, though authorities have not yet issued a formal conclusion regarding the cause.
Officials from the power facility are expected to launch an internal investigation, while relevant safety regulators may also examine whether proper maintenance protocols were being followed. Industrial accidents of this nature have previously prompted calls for stricter monitoring of gas systems and emergency preparedness within large-scale energy installations.
Doctors at the burn institute noted that further updates on the patients’ conditions will be provided once diagnostic results are complete. Meanwhile, concern remains high among workers and families as the investigation continues into one of the most serious recent accidents at the site.