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A gas cylinder explosion in a residential building in Dinajpur’s Kalitola area has left eight people, including women and a child, severely injured. The incident occurred around 4:00 PM on Saturday, July 5, at the home of Mahbub Rahman. The victims were admitted to Dinajpur Medical College Hospital, with one in critical condition.
According to hospital authorities, Riaz Uddin (20) sustained severe burns, with 24% of his body affected and damage to his respiratory tract. Due to his critical condition, he was transferred to the National Burn and Plastic Surgery Institute in Dhaka for advanced treatment. The other victims include Mahbub Rahman’s wife, Rubina Aktar (45), neighbor Malay Chandra (30), son of Naresh Chandra, Amida Rani (46), Shahjahan Kabir (60), Shirin Aktar (45), her son Swachchha (13), and private tutor and student of Haji Mohammad Danesh Science and Technology University, Sajib (26), son of Anwarul Islam from Mithapukur, Rangpur. Local sources reported that the explosion occurred after a new gas cylinder was brought to the house. A leak was detected upon connecting the cylinder, and several individuals attempted to fix it. During one such attempt, Riaz Uddin entered the kitchen, triggering a sudden explosion. The fire spread rapidly, injuring others nearby. Sajib, one of the victims, recounted, “A new gas cylinder was brought to Mahbub’s house. After connecting it, we noticed a leak. While trying to stop it, the cylinder suddenly caught fire. Riaz went back to the kitchen to address the leak, and the explosion occurred, spreading fire to others who had come to investigate.” Dr. Israt Rupali, an intern at Dinajpur Medical College Hospital, confirmed that eight individuals, including men, women, and a 13-year-old boy, were admitted to the male and female surgical wards with burn injuries. Riaz Uddin’s critical condition necessitated his transfer to Dhaka. Authorities are investigating the cause of the explosion, and the community remains shaken by the tragic incident.
