Fatal gas leak explosion burns father and three sons

Four members of the same family, including a father and his three sons, suffered severe burn injuries after a powerful explosion tore through their rented house in Fattullah, Narayanganj, early Monday. Authorities suspect a gas leak or a refrigerator compressor blast caused the incident.

The explosion occurred around 6:30 am in the Rakhibazar area of Kutubpur, near Shibu Market.

The injured were identified as Abdul Kader, 50, and his three sons -- Mehedi, 17, Sakib, 16, and Rakib, 16. They were rescued in critical condition and admitted to the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery.

Residents said the blast blew off the house's doors and windows. Neighbours rushed in after hearing a loud sound and found the family members badly burned.

Doctors said Abdul Kader suffered burns on 57 percent of his body, while Mehedi, Sakib, and Rakib sustained 18 percent, 17 percent, and 25 percent burns, respectively. Mehedi and Rakib also suffered airway burns, and all four remain in critical condition.

At the time, the father and sons were asleep inside the house. Abdul Kader’s wife survived unhurt while outside fetching water for cooking.

A similar gas leak explosion in another Fattullah house on Sunday left five members of another family burned. They are also receiving treatment at the same institute.