What Caused the Explosion in a Bangladesh Water Tank?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Explosion occurred during a routine cleaning task.
- Gas buildup in confined spaces can be hazardous.
- Immediate medical attention is crucial for burn injuries.
- Public awareness on safety practices can prevent accidents.
- Family safety should be prioritized in household maintenance.
Dhaka, June 29 (NationPress) Four family members, including two children, were injured in an explosion at their home in the Tannery intersection region of Hazaribagh’s Jigatola while they were cleaning a water tank, reports indicate.
The injured individuals have been identified as Zia Uddin (45), a leather merchant; his daughters, Nazia Sultana Rafia (8) and Faria Sultana (3); and a tenant named Belal Hossain, 30, who works as a day laborer.
The explosion took place at Zia's two-story residence near Tannery Intersection around 4:00 PM, according to his nephew HM Shah Poran.
Belal was cleaning the underground water tank and attempted to illuminate the inside with an electric bulb, as it was dark, while Zia and his daughters stood nearby. Suddenly, an explosion erupted, thought to be caused by gas accumulation inside the tank, resulting in injuries to all four, local news reports state.
They were transported to the emergency unit of the National Institute of Burn and Plastic Surgery around 10:45 PM on Saturday.
Md Shahporan, who accompanied the injured to the hospital, mentioned that the explosion occurred when the electric bulb was activated inside the tank, presumably due to gas buildup.
Initially, they were taken to a local hospital before being moved to the burn institute.
Dr. Shawon Bin Rahman, a resident surgeon at the burn institute, informed The Daily Star that Belal incurred burns covering 17 percent of his body, while Zia, Faria, and Rafia sustained burns of four, five, and six percent, respectively.
"Except for Belal, the others were discharged after treatment as their conditions stabilized," the doctor stated.