10 burnt in Gulistan salon AC blast

At least 10 people sustained burn injuries after an air conditioner exploded at a salon in the Alu Bazar area of Gulistan in the capital on Wednesday around 1:00 am.

Nine of the injured are currently undergoing treatment at the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery.

The injured were identified as customers Md Faruk, 35, Rinku, 30, Rony, 36, Jasim, 40, and Rafique, 25, along with salon employees Shamshed, 30, Raju, 34, Pappu, 26, Sakib, 17, and Arman, 37.

Dr Shaon Bin Rahman, Residential Surgeon of the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery, said that Faruk suffered burns to 50 percent of his body while Rinku 21 percent, Rony 10 percent, Jasim 8 percent, Rafique 12 percent, Shamshed 15 percent, Raju 18 percent, Pappu 18 percent, Sakib 1 percent, and Arman 15 percent.

He said Sakib was discharged after receiving primary treatment, while the remaining nine patients were admitted to the institute for further treatment.

Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain visited the burn institute on Wednesday to see the injured.

Speaking to reporters after the visit, the minister said that doctors and nurses were providing all necessary medical care to the burn victims.

“The doctors are providing all the treatment required for burn patients. Some of the victims’ relatives may not have been informed yet, but the doctors and nurses are giving them the highest level of care,” he said.

The minister also urged the public to ensure the proper maintenance of air conditioners to prevent similar accidents.

“Many people use air conditioners, but sometimes they run low on refrigerant gas. Dust and debris can also clog the AC filter, causing air to circulate inside instead of flowing properly, which may lead to accidents,” he said.

Responding to a question from journalists, Sakhawat Hossain said the government would launch nationwide awareness campaigns on the safe use and maintenance of air conditioners.

“The government can raise awareness, but people must also maintain their own air conditioners properly. We will promote nationwide awareness so that everyone keeps their AC units in good working condition,” he added.