A devastating gas explosion ripped through a residential flat in Chattogram’s Halishahar early Monday, leaving nine people, including a child, critically burned, doctors said.
The blast occurred inside the kitchen of a third-floor apartment at “Halima Manzil,” a six-storey building in H Block of Halishahar. Fire officials said the expon was triggered by gas that had accumulated inside the kitchen.
The powerful blast engulfed the flat in flames, severely injuring women and children who were inside at the time. Rescue teams rushed the victims to Chattogram Medical College Hospital (CMCH), where they are now fighting for their lives.
Rafiquddin Ahmed, head of the Burn Unit at CMCH, said all the victims suffered respiratory injuries and their conditions are critical.
Sources at the burn unit said two women, Rani and Pakhi, and a man named Sakhawat sustained 100 percent burns. One victim suffered 80 percent burns, another 45 percent, while the remaining victims sustained between 20 and 25 percent burns.
