Gazipur gas cylinder blast: Death toll now 14

Death toll from the gas cylinder blast in Gazipur’s Kaliakair upazila went up to 14, as another burn victim died early Wednesday.

The deceased was identified as Kamala Khatun, 65.

Kamala, who received 80 percent burn injuries, breathed her last around 4:30 am at the ICU of Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, said Tariqul Islam, resident medical officer of the hospital.

Conditions of 8-9 more victims who are undergoing treatment at the hospital are stated to be critical, added the doctor.

Solaiman Molla, Mansur Ali, Tayeba, Ariful Islam, Mahidul, Nargis Khatun, Zahirul Islam, Motaleb, Md Solaiman, Rabbi, Tawhid, Yeasin and Mashiur previously died from burn injuries from the blast.

At least 35 people, including women and children, sustained burn injuries after a gas cylinder exploded in Kaliakair on March 13.

One patient was admitted with 100 percent burns while three were hospitalised with 95 percent burns, and 16 were hospitalised with over 50 percent burns, according to sources at the hospital.

Locals said a fire broke out from a gas cylinder at a house in Telir Chala area of Mouchak in Kaliakair around 6 pm on Wednesday. When residents of the house threw it out on the road, the explosion occurred.