Five people, including standup comedian Abu Hena Rony, were injured in gas balloon blasts during Gazipur Metropolitan Police's anniversary programme last evening (September 16, 2022).

The blasts took place on the ground of Gazipur district police lines at around 6:00pm yesterday, reports our local correspondent quoting GMP Commissioner Mollah Nazrul Islam.

Rony's airways have also been burnt, confirmed Dr Samanta Lal Sen to The Daily Star.

He said that 25 percent of Rony's body has been burnt, including 2 hands, ears and partially, his face.

"He has been kept in the High Dependency Unit after dressing," said the doctor. Even though his airways have been only slightly burnt, he is not out of danger yet.

Before the start of the event, guests were ushered to the opening stage. Several balloons were given to the chief guest. But despite repeated attempts, the balloons did not fly. Later, the guests inaugurated the programme by releasing pigeons and moved towards the main stage. The balloons were then taken behind the opening stage. After a while, an explosion was heard.

All the balloons burst behind the opening stage. Five people sitting next to it were burnt. Later, they were rescued and admitted to Gazipur Shaheed Tajuddin Ahmad Medical College Hospital.

A four-member committee has been formed to investigate the blasts.