The investigation into the deadly explosion and fire at a residential building in Halishahar has found no evidence linking the incident to a gas leak.
The findings were revealed in a report submitted by Karnaphuli Gas Distribution Company Limited (KGDCL). The incident occurred in the early hours of 23 February at a six-storey building named Halima Manzil in H Block of Halishahar.
An explosion on the third floor of the apartment building triggered a fire, leaving nine members of the same family severely burned. Six of them were later pronounced while receiving treatment at Dhaka’s Burn Institute.
Immediately after the incident, authorities initially suspected that a gas line leakage might have caused the explosion. Subsequently, separate investigation committees were formed by KGDCL and the Fire Service, with the former submitting this latest report.
Deputy General Manager of KGDCL’s Northern Distribution Division and head of the investigation committee Md Rafiq Khan said the report outlines the possible causes of the explosion and includes recommendations to prevent similar incidents in the future. The report has been submitted to the company’s managing director.
However, an official involved in the investigation, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that no evidence of gas leakage was found.
“During the site inspection, we did not find any significant damage to the kitchen stove, knobs, gas pipeline components, or related equipment,” the official said. “In cases of gas leak explosions, these installations typically show clear signs of damage.”
He further added that an assessment of the kitchen’s windows and ventilation system also did not indicate any presence of gas accumulation or leakage.
According to the investigation, the tenant of the flat operates a motor garage. Various flammable items were stored inside the residence, including a car air-conditioner compressor, drums containing chemicals used in vehicle painting, and batteries – all of which were damaged in the fire.
The official suggested that the fire may have originated from faulty electrical wiring or from the ignition of flammable chemicals and equipment inside the flat.
Meanwhile, three children injured in the incident remain under treatment in Dhaka. They are Umm Ayman (10), daughter of the deceased homeowner Shakhawat, and his younger brother’s two children, Farhan (6) and Ayesha (4).
