Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain on Sunday visited the victims of a gas explosion that occurred in a house in Fatullah, Narayanganj, resulting in burn injuries to a family.
The minister visited the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery around noon to inquire about the treatment of the injured, including a husband, wife, and their children. He also spoke to the family members of the victims.
Speaking to reporters after the visit, the minister explained that the explosion occurred when the house owner attempted to ignite a gas light, causing flames to spread throughout the house.
“The entire family suffered burn injuries in this tragic and painful incident,” he said.
According to the minister, five people, including a child, were burned in the explosion. The house’s doors and windows were reportedly closed at the time of the incident.
The minister reassured the public that all efforts were being made to ensure the victims received proper treatment, and that financial assistance would be provided if needed.
Highlighting the lack of public awareness regarding gas safety, Sakhawat Hossain stated that the government had repeatedly urged people through media campaigns to keep gas cylinders outside their homes and regularly check for any leakages.
He advised people to ensure doors and windows are open before lighting gas stoves and urged users of pipeline gas connections to ensure proper checks for leakages during installation.
The minister also announced that an inter-ministerial meeting would be held within the next few days to strengthen public awareness initiatives on gas safety.
He further warned that many families still keep gas cylinders beneath their stoves, despite repeated safety campaigns, and urged the public to regularly have cylinders and gas lines checked by the relevant companies.
