A gas balloon explosion occurred at Manik Mia Avenue in the capital during an event commemorating the anniversary of the mass uprising, leaving at least 11 people with burn injuries. The victims are currently receiving treatment at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery.
The incident took place around 2pm on Tuesday.
The injured individuals have been identified as Mansur Islam (37), Abdur Rahman Mishu (23), Asik Hossain Akash (21), Habibullah Habib (23), Mehraj Hossain Palash (21), Mahmudul Hasan Rahat (20), Mazharul Islam (23), Bellal Hossain (45), Shariful Islam Nayan (32), Yasin Arafat (17), and Abdullah Al Mihad (17).
The victims reported that they had attended the anniversary programme at Manik Mia Avenue, where decorative gas-filled balloons were being distributed among attendees. A scuffle broke out when a group of people began tugging at the balloons, trying to grab them, leading to an explosion.
Dr Shaon Bin Rahman, a resident surgeon at the National Burn Institute, confirmed that 11 burn victims were brought in from Manik Mia Avenue in the afternoon. He stated, “All of them suffered minor burns on their hands and faces. None are in critical condition, and everyone is receiving primary treatment.”