A van driver was killed and at least four others injured when a discarded gas cylinder exploded at a scrap shop in Sitakunda Upazila, Chattogram, on Saturday afternoon.
The deceased was identified as Arman (30), a resident of Lakshmipur district. He worked as a ‘Votvoti’ (three-wheeler van) driver, police said.
The accident occurred around noon in the Bara Kumira Mazar Gate area. Workers were going about their normal work at the scrap shop when suddenly the cylinder exploded with a loud bang.
Arman, who was standing in front of the shop at the time, died on the spot due to the force of the explosion, eyewitnesses said.
Among the injured are Md Kamal Hossain (44) and Helal Uddin (19), who are uncle and nephew. The identities of the other injured could not be immediately known.
Locals and police rescued the injured and took them to Sitakunda Upazila Health Complex. Two were later transferred to Chattogram Medical College Hospital for advanced treatment.
Sitakunda Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mainul Islam said the accident occurred when a discarded gas cylinder kept at the scrap shop exploded.
“Initially, it is believed that gas accumulated from a leak in the cylinder caught fire, leading to the explosion. However, an investigation will be conducted to confirm the actual cause,” he said.
Police said preparations are underway to hand over the body to the family after legal procedures. An investigation has been launched to determine the exact cause of the explosion.
