Early morning gas explosion leaves toddler and four adults severely burned in Dhaka’s Kagojitola area
A devastating gas explosion in the early hours of Thursday has left five members of a single family critically injured in the Kagojitola area of Sutrapur, Dhaka. The incident occurred around 1:30 am on the ground floor of a five-story residential building, reportedly triggered by a gas leak that ignited when someone attempted to light a flame.
All five victims — including a one-and-a-half-year-old girl — were immediately rushed to the Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery (NIBPS), where they are currently being treated in critical condition. Hospital sources confirmed that the family suffered extensive burn injuries and remains under close observation.
Preliminary investigations by local authorities suggest that the explosion was caused by leaked gas accumulating overnight, likely due to a faulty or unmaintained pipeline. When a match or stove was lit in the early morning hours, the accumulated gas is believed to have ignited, leading to a violent blast and resulting fire that engulfed parts of the apartment.
Emergency services, including the fire brigade and police, arrived at the scene shortly after the explosion. Firefighters were able to control the flames, but the ground floor unit suffered significant damage. Officials from the Fire Service and Civil Defence noted signs of an old or leaking gas connection and cited poor ventilation as a possible contributing factor.
According to neighbors, the blast was strong enough to shake nearby buildings and wake residents in the middle of the night. Witnesses described hearing a loud bang followed by smoke and screams from the building.
Medical officials at NIBPS stated that the injuries sustained are life-threatening. “All five patients, including the toddler, have sustained serious burns and are currently in intensive care. Multiple surgeries may be required depending on their condition in the coming days,” said a senior hospital official.
This tragic event highlights growing safety concerns around aging gas infrastructure in densely populated urban areas like Dhaka. In recent years, multiple similar incidents — including explosions in homes, mosques, and businesses — have claimed lives and caused lasting injuries. Experts have long warned about the risks posed by uninspected pipelines, unauthorized modifications, and poor maintenance, especially in older residential buildings.
According to fire service records, a significant number of household fires in Dhaka can be traced back to gas leaks or faulty cylinder installations. In most cases, explosions are preventable through regular inspections, proper ventilation, and public awareness of safety practices.
In light of this latest incident, the authorities have pledged a renewed push for gas line safety checks and greater public education. Residents across Dhaka are being urged to:
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Regularly inspect gas lines, stoves, and cylinders for leaks or wear
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Avoid lighting stoves if a gas smell is detected — and immediately open windows, evacuate, and call emergency services
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Ensure that kitchens and utility areas have proper ventilation
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Install gas leak detectors, if possible, to enhance early warning systems
City officials have also hinted at the launch of a comprehensive safety audit of gas pipelines in older buildings, in cooperation with Titas Gas and fire safety authorities. A spokesperson from Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) stated that steps will be taken to identify high-risk properties and ensure compliance with basic safety standards.
As the injured family continues to fight for their lives, questions are being raised once again about the urgency of implementing gas safety protocols and upgrading the city’s aging utility infrastructure. The incident has not only shocked the local community but also reignited calls for systematic reform in urban safety management.
Authorities have confirmed that a formal investigation is underway. Findings from the fire service and gas authorities will determine whether negligence, faulty installation, or lack of maintenance was responsible — and whether any legal action will follow.
For now, the focus remains on the recovery of the victims and the prevention of similar tragedies in the future.
source : thedailystar
