1 dead, 7 family members injured in N'ganj gas explosion

A woman died and seven other members of a family suffered burn injuries in a gas explosion in Siddhirganj of Narayanganj early today. 

Nur Jahan (60) breathed her last at the burn unit of Dhaka Medical College Hospital around 10:15am, Inspector Bachchu Miah, in-charge of the DMCH police camp, told The Daily Star.

She was admitted to the hospital with 100 per cent burns, said Bachchu Miah.

The pile of torn-apart furniture inside a house of Narayanganj after a gas explosion on February 17, 2020. Photo: Anisur Rahman

The injured -- Kiron Miah (45), Abul Hossain (25), Hiron Miah (25), Kauser Miah (16), Mukta Akter (20), Ilma Akter (3), and Apon (10) -- have been admitted to the burn unit of the hospital, reports our Narayanganj correspondent.

The family used to live on the ground floor of the five-storey building, said Abdullah Al Arefin, deputy director of Narayanganj Fire Service and Civil Defence.

Explosion occurs at a Narayanganj house when gas oven comes in contact with a matchstick flame on February 17, 2020. Photo: Anisur Rahman

Officials suspect that they may not have switched off the gas stove before going to bed last night.

Gas accumulated inside the kitchen and exploded the moment it came in contact with a matchstick flame around 5:00am, he said. 

Five of the injured are in critical condition, according to DMCH sources.