Savar, Feb 16, (V7N) – In a tragic incident in Ashulia, Savar, at least 11 people, including women and children, were injured when a gas cylinder leak caused a fire while making traditional sweets. Three of the victims are in critical condition, according to medical officials.

The fire broke out on Friday (February 14) at around 9:30 PM in the home of Amjad Bepari in the Gomail area of Ashulia. Senior Station Officer of DEPZ Fire Service, Pranab Chowdhury, confirmed the news at 12:15 PM on Saturday (February 15).

The victims of the fire include:

Surja Banu (55), Zahura Begum (70), Monir Hossain (43), Shohel (38), Suman Mia (30), Shiuli Akter (25), Sharmin (25), Chamim Mahmood (15), Mahadi (7), Soayed (4), and Suraha (3)

According to Officer Pranab Chowdhury, the fire service initially responded with two units when the fire was reported. The fire was soon extinguished, but it was later discovered that gas from a leaking cylinder had accumulated in the room. A computer in the room was being opened at the time, causing an explosion due to the trapped gas.

Pranab Chowdhury explained further that there was a short circuit or loose connection in the computer's CPU, which led to the fire. He also clarified that such incidents usually do not result in cylinder explosions, but the accumulated gas can cause a severe blast.

Eyewitnesses revealed that the two-story building in Gomail, owned by Amjad Bepari, housed Suman, who lived there with his two children. That night, his brother Shohel's family visited, as Shohel stayed in another house. Shohel's mother alternated between staying with him and Suman. The explosion occurred during the preparation of sweets for Shabe Barat, injuring the 11 family members, including women and children.

Shohel Rana, one of the victims, shared, “We had gone to my brother Suman's house with our family to celebrate Shabe Barat. While making sweets, a fire suddenly broke out, and everyone in our family got burned.”

Assistant Manager Habibur Rahman of Ashulia Women and Children’s Hospital stated, “We provided initial treatment to 11 burn victims, including women and children, at our hospital. All of them were then transferred to the burn unit at Dhaka Medical College.”

This tragic event highlights the dangers associated with gas leaks and the importance of ensuring safety measures to prevent such incidents.

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