Gas leak explosion burns 5 of a family in N'ganj

Five members of a family, including three children, suffered severe burn injuries after a gas leak triggered an explosion and fire inside a residential building in Narayanganj's Fatullah early Sunday morning.

The incident occurred on the ground floor of an eight-storey building at Giridhara area. 

The injured were identified as vegetable vendor Kalam, 47, his wife Salma, 35, their son Munna, 12, and daughters Munni, 10 and Kotha, 5. The family is originally from Barukdia area of Bauphal upazila in Patuakhali district.

All were reported to be in critical condition.

The victims were rushed to National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery for treatment. 

Rescuer Rakib said the family members were found outside the house in the early hours of the morning and were immediately taken to the burn institute. 

Quoting Salma Begum, he said the family had been asleep when the incident occurred.

According to Kalam, the explosion took place when he attempted to light the kitchen stove at dawn, causing flames to spread rapidly throughout the room. The family later managed to escape from the burning house.

Residential Surgeon Shawon Bin Rahman said all five victims were undergoing treatment in the emergency department of the institute.