The death toll resulting from a cylinder blast in Gazipur on March 13 has reached 17, with another victim succumbing to injuries.

The latest casualty has been identified as Kuddus Khan, aged 45. He passed away while receiving treatment at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery at 8:18 pm on Saturday.

Dr. Partha Shankar Paul, a resident physician at the institution, confirmed the unfortunate news, stating that the victim had sustained burns covering 80% of his body.

Chronology of Events

The incident unfolded in Gazipur's Kaliakair area just before iftar on March 13, resulting in injuries to at least 32 individuals, with 14 suffering severe burns exceeding 80% of their body surface.

The blast occurred around 5:45 pm in the Mouchak Tilerchala locality.

According to eyewitnesses, a family detected a gas leak in their kitchen cylinder. Despite attempts to contain it by wrapping the cylinder with a wet cloth, their efforts proved futile. Consequently, they placed the cylinder in an alley beside the road.

The sound of the gas leak drew nearby residents, including women and children, who gathered out of curiosity.

The street was bustling with activity as many, including garment factory workers, were returning home for iftar, just before sunset.

Unbeknownst to the crowd, the gas began to disperse into the air.

An attempt to ignite a stove in a nearby house ignited the dispersed gas, triggering a fire that engulfed bystanders and rapidly spread.

The injured were promptly transported to the Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery for urgent medical attention.