A businessman from Sonagazi has died at Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) after sustaining severe burn injuries during a failed attempt to manufacture octane by following a tutorial online.
The deceased, identified as 45-year-old Nur Alam Masud, was the owner of Sotota Oil Mills and a resident of Nazrul Primary School area in Sonagazi municipality.
He passed away on Saturday morning while undergoing treatment at the DMCH Burn and Plastic Surgery Unit.
The incident occurred last Tuesday afternoon when Masud and an associate, Mohammad Omar Faruk, were attempting to produce octane using an alternative method found online. Witnesses and family members reported that a pipe exploded with a loud bang due to excessive heat buildup during the experimental process.
Locals rescued both injured men and rushed them to the Sonagazi Upazila Health Complex. They were later transferred to Feni General Hospital, but as Masud’s condition deteriorated, he was moved to Dhaka for specialized care. After battling for his life for four days, he succumbed to his injuries.
According to a neighbor, Zia Uddin Hridoy, Masud was known in the community for frequently trying to invent new products by watching online tutorials. Masud’s brother, Morshed, confirmed that the explosion happened because the temperature during the fuel-making process went beyond control.
Sonagazi Model Police Station Inspector (Investigation) Shafiqur Rahman stated that police had inspected the site following the explosion.
He confirmed that the authorities are aware of the death and noted that necessary legal measures will be taken regarding the incident.
